U.S. patent application number 14/484104 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-25 for biometric monitoring device with heart rate measurement activated by a single user-gesture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fitbit, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christine Boomer Brumback, Todd Sutham Diemer, Nicholas Adrian Myers, James Park, Shelten Gee Jao Yuen.
Application Number | 20140378787 14/484104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50728588 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140378787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brumback; Christine Boomer ;
et al. |
December 25, 2014 |
BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE WITH HEART RATE MEASUREMENT ACTIVATED
BY A SINGLE USER-GESTURE
Abstract
A biometric monitoring device having a heart rate sensor for
measuring various biometric information is provided. In some
embodiments, the biometric monitoring device allows the person to
take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user
interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate
sensor surface area, moving the device in a defined motion pattern,
or clenching the fist. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide
a biometric monitoring device that allows a person to get a quick
heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting
their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate
monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data
acquisition status.
Inventors: |
Brumback; Christine Boomer;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Myers; Nicholas Adrian;
(Oakland, CA) ; Yuen; Shelten Gee Jao; (Berkeley,
CA) ; Park; James; (Berkeley, CA) ; Diemer;
Todd Sutham; (Oakland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fitbit, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50728588 |
Appl. No.: |
14/484104 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14154019 |
Jan 13, 2014 |
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14484104 |
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13924784 |
Jun 24, 2013 |
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14154019 |
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61662961 |
Jun 22, 2012 |
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61752826 |
Jan 15, 2013 |
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61830600 |
Jun 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/301 ;
600/324; 600/473; 600/479 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/681 20130101;
A61B 5/02433 20130101; A61B 5/721 20130101; A61B 5/01 20130101;
A61B 5/08 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101; A61B
5/02416 20130101; A61B 5/1112 20130101; A61B 5/02055 20130101; A61B
5/14552 20130101; A61B 5/6824 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B
5/0537 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; A61B 5/02427 20130101; A61B
5/021 20130101; A61B 5/0488 20130101; A61B 5/7475 20130101; H04L
67/12 20130101; A61B 5/0533 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/301 ;
600/479; 600/324; 600/473 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/024 20060101
A61B005/024; A61B 5/053 20060101 A61B005/053; A61B 5/0488 20060101
A61B005/0488; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/01 20060101
A61B005/01; A61B 5/08 20060101 A61B005/08; A61B 5/021 20060101
A61B005/021; A61B 5/145 20060101 A61B005/145; A61B 5/1455 20060101
A61B005/1455; A61B 5/11 20060101 A61B005/11 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: two or more biometric sensors
comprising a heart rate sensor and an altimeter; an activator of
the heart rate sensor; a heart rate sensor surface area through
which the heart rate sensor can collect heart rate data from a
user; at least one processor; and a memory, wherein: the heart rate
sensor, the altimeter, the activator, the at least one processor,
and the memory are communicatively connected, and the memory stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart
rate data through the heart rate sensor surface area in response to
the activator receiving an activation signal caused by a single
user-gesture.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to obtain altitude data from the altimeter.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the altitude data comprises
atmosphere pressure data or environmental pressure data.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the altitude data comprises
relative changes in atmosphere or environmental pressure.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to calculate flights of stairs climbed.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to automatically stop
collecting heart rate data after a defined criterion is met without
requiring further user gestures in addition to the single
user-gesture.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to remain in a state that
does not collect heart rate data, after it stops collecting heart
rate data, until another activation signal caused by a new
user-gesture is received.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single user-gesture
consists of a user moving or interacting with the apparatus in a
defined motion pattern; the activator comprises at least one sensor
selected from the group consisting of: single-axis or multi-axis
gyroscopes and single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers; and the
memory further stores computer-executable instructions for
controlling the at least one processor to cause the heart rate
sensor to start collecting heart rate data in response to a
detection of the defined motion pattern using data obtained by the
activator.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein moving or interacting with the
apparatus in a defined motion pattern is selected from one or more
of the following: twisting the wrist wearing the apparatus, shaking
the apparatus, bringing a wrist wearing the apparatus from a
resting position to a watch-viewing position, and moving the
apparatus in a "figure 8" motion.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide feedback to the user with reference to the
collected heart rate data without requiring further user gestures
in addition to the single user-gesture.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the feedback to the user
with reference to the collected heart rate data comprises one or
more of the following: average heart rate, minimum heart rate,
maximum heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate relative to
target heart rate zone, heart rate relative to resting heart rate,
change in heart rate, decrease in heart rate, increase in heart
rate, training advice with reference to heart rate, and a medical
condition with reference to heart rate.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured
to be wearable as a wrist-band.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heart rate sensor
comprises an optical sensor for the visible light spectrum.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heart rate sensor
comprises an optical sensor for infrared light.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heart rate sensor
comprises a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor or pulse oximetry
sensor.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more biometric
sensors further comprises one or more of the following: GPS,
proximity sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, ambient
light sensor, touch screen, temperature sensor, galvanic skin
response sensor, fingerprint reader, electromyographic sensor,
pressure transducer, and force transducer, audio sensor,
bioelectrical impedance sensor, blood pressure sensor, moisture
sensor, and blood glucose sensor.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motion sensor
providing motion data to compensate for disruptions caused by arm
movements that would otherwise interfere with the heart rate
data.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has two or more
heart rate sensors.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display for
providing visual feedback to the user.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory also stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to show information derived from one or more of the
following with or without further user input: calorie burn, floors
climbed and/or descended, location and/or heading, elevation,
ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled, swimming lap count,
bicycle distance and/or speed, blood pressure, blood glucose, skin
conduction, skin and/or body temperature, electromyography data,
electroencephalography data, weight, body fat, caloric intake,
nutritional intake from food, medication intake, sleep periods,
sleep phases, sleep quality and/or duration, pH levels, hydration
levels, and respiration rate, barometric pressure, temperature,
humidity, pollen count, air quality, rain/snow conditions, wind
speed, ambient light, UV light exposure, time and/or duration spent
in darkness, noise exposure, radiation exposure, and magnetic
field.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide feedback to the user indicating that heart
rate data collection has started.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide feedback to the user indicating that heart
rate data collection is successful.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide feedback to the user indicating that heart
rate data collection has ended.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide feedback to the user indicating that heart
rate data collection has failed to complete.
25. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the apparatus is configured
to automatically authenticate the user based on the collected heart
rate data.
26. An apparatus comprising: two or more biometric sensors
comprising a heart rate sensor and an electromyographic sensor; a
heart rate sensor surface area through which the heart rate sensor
can collect heart rate data from a user.sub.; at least one
processor; and a memory, wherein: the heart rate sensor, the
electromyographic sensor, the at least one processor, and the
memory are communicatively connected, and the memory stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart
rate data through the heart rate sensor surface area in response to
the electromyographic sensor receiving an activation signal caused
by a single user-gesture.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the single user-gesture
comprises clenching the fist of the hand wearing the apparatus.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to provide user feedback with reference to the collected
heart rate data without requiring further user-gesture in addition
to the single user-gesture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/154,019, filed Jan. 13, 2014, which is a
continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/924,784, filed Jun. 24, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)(1) of both U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/662,961, filed Jun. 22, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/752,826, filed Jan. 15, 2013; this application
also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)(1) of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/830,600, filed Jun. 3, 2013.
The above-listed applications are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Recent advances in sensor, electronics, and power source
miniaturization have allowed the size of personal health monitoring
devices, also referred to herein as "biometric tracking" or
"biometric monitoring" devices, to be offered in small sizes. These
biometric monitoring devices may collect, derive, and/or provide
one or more of the following types of information: heart rate,
calorie burn, floors climbed and/or descended, location and/or
heading, elevation, ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled, etc.
One piece of useful physiological information measured by biometric
monitoring devices relates to heart rate. As biometric monitoring
devices are trending to integrate multiple sensors to measure
various types of physiological and environmental information,
existing devices that measure momentary heart rate require
cumbersome user interaction to take the measurement, display the
measured information and/or provide other user feedback. This
disclosure provides biometric monitoring devices with convenient
and user-friendly heart rate monitoring function.
SUMMARY
[0003] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter
described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and
advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following
figures may not be drawn to scale unless specifically indicated as
being scaled drawings.
[0004] In some embodiments, the device provides user feedback
regarding the collected heart rate data without requiring further
user input beyond activating the heart rate sensor. Heart rate
monitoring activated by a single user-gesture is desirable. For
instance, a single touch of the activator surface area can provide
a signal to activate the heart rate sensor without requiring any
other user input. This is advantageous because it simplifies the
process to activate a heart rate sensor from an off state to an on
state. It is desirable to activate the sensor on demand, because it
reduces energy consumption compared to continual, continuous, or
regularly intermittent activation. The present inventors have
realized that this energy conservation is important for portable
devices with multiple functions and miniaturized size. Furthermore,
the present inventors have realized that it is desirable to
activate the sensor using only a single user-gesture as opposed to
multiple gestures, e.g., separate gestures to turn on the heart
rate sensor, start heart rate data collection, provide user
feedback based on heart rate data. The simplification of the
process to obtain a heart rate measure and/or providing feedback
allows users to obtain heart rate measurement and/or receive
feedback under circumstances that are otherwise impossible,
impractical, or inconvenient to obtain the measure and/or receive
the feedback.
[0005] In some implementations, an apparatus is provided as a
biometric monitoring device with heart rate measuring function
activated by a single user-gesture. The apparatus may include: one
or more biometric sensors comprising a heart rate sensor, an
activator of the heart rate sensor, a heart rate sensor surface
area through which the heart rate sensor can collect heart rate
data from a user, an activator surface area through which the
activator can receive activation signals from the user, at least
one processor, and a memory. In these implementations, the one or
more biometric sensors, the activator, the at least one processor,
and the memory are communicatively connected. Furthermore, the
memory stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the
at least one processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor surface
area in response to the activator receiving an activation signal
through the activator surface area caused by a single user-gesture.
Additionally, the heart rate sensor is configured to automatically
stop collecting heart rate data after a defined criterion is met
and remain in a state that does not collect heart rate data until
another activation signal caused by a new user-gesture is received
without requiring further user-gestures in addition to the single
user-gesture. In some embodiments, the defined criterion is a
defined period of time for heart rate data collection or a defined
quality of heart rate reading.
[0006] In some implementations, a different biometric monitoring
device is provided in an apparatus. In these embodiments, compared
to the embodiments described above, the apparatus comprises an
optical heart rate sensor instead of a general heart rate sensor,
and the apparatus additionally includes a feedback mechanism. In
these embodiments, the optical heart rate sensor, the activator,
the at least one processor, and the memory are communicatively
connected. The memory stores computer-executable instructions for
controlling the at least one processor to cause the optical heart
rate sensor to start collecting heart rate data through the heart
rate sensor surface area in response to the activator receiving an
activation signal through the activator surface area caused by a
single user-gesture. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to
provide user feedback, through the feedback mechanism, with
reference to the collected heart rate data without requiring
further user-gestures in addition to the single user-gesture.
[0007] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device further
includes an altimeter communicatively connected with the heart rate
sensor, the activator, the at least one processor, and the memory.
The memory further stores computer-executable instructions for
controlling the at least one processor to obtain altitude data from
the altimeter.
[0008] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor is configured to
only collect data when the single user-gesture is occurring and
only from a body part of the user used to provide the single
user-gesture.
[0009] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area and
the activator surface area are arranged on a substantially flat
plane, thereby allowing a single body part of a user to
simultaneously interact with the activator and the heart rate
sensor.
[0010] In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to stop collecting heart
rate data after a defined criterion is met without requiring
further user gestures in addition to the single user-gesture.
[0011] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a
vibration motor as a feedback mechanism and the feedback to the
user is provided as haptic vibration.
[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a
housing that houses at least the heart rate sensor and the
activator. The heart rate sensor surface area and the activator
surface area are on located on the housing. In various embodiments,
they are less than about 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2, or 0.1 centimeters apart
as measured by the distance along the exterior surface of the
housing. This design allows a single body part of a user to
simultaneously interact with the activator and the heart rate
sensor. In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area and
the activator surface area overlap along the exterior surface of
the housing. In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface
area and/or the activator surface area is a seamless portion of the
surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the apparatus has only
one heart rate sensor surface area. In other embodiments, the
apparatus has two or more heart rate sensor surface areas. In some
embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area and the activator
surface area form one continuous surface area.
[0013] In some embodiments, the activator of the heart rate sensor
is a proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the single user-gesture
providing the activation signal to the heart rate sensor activator
consists of the user bringing a body part into proximity with the
activator surface area.
[0014] In some embodiments, the single user-gesture consists of a
touch of the activator surface area using a single body part.
[0015] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be
removably attachable to a wearable accessory, and the activator
surface area and heart rate sensor surface area are configured to
be accessible for user interaction when attached to the wearable
accessory.
[0016] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor, the activator,
the at least one processor, and the memory are communicatively
connected to a user interface on the apparatus. In some
embodiments, the heart rate sensor, the activator, the at least one
processor, and the memory are communicatively connected to a user
interface on a linked smartphone, tablet, or computer. In some
embodiments, the user interface includes one or more of the
following: the heart rate sensor surface area, the activator
surface area, a touch screen, a display, an LED, a button, an
accelerometer, a gyroscope, a finger print reader, a vibration
motor, a proximity sensor, and a speaker.
[0017] In some implementations, an apparatus is provided as a
biometric monitoring device with heart rate measuring function
activated by a single user-gesture. The apparatus may include: two
or more biometric sensors comprising a heart rate sensor and an
altimeter, an activator of the heart rate sensor, a heart rate
sensor surface area through which the heart rate sensor can collect
heart rate data from a user, at least one processor, and a memory.
The heart rate sensor, the altimeter, the activator, the at least
one processor, and the memory are communicatively connected. The
memory stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the
at least one processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor surface
area in response to the activator receiving an activation signal
caused by a single user-gesture. In some implementations, the
memory further stores computer-executable instructions for
controlling the at least one processor to obtain altitude data from
the altimeter. In some implementations, the altitude data includes
atmosphere pressure data or environmental pressure data, or
relative changes thereof.
[0018] In some implementations, biometric monitoring device
includes a heart rate sensor and an electromyographic sensor, a
heart rate sensor surface area, at least one processor, and a
memory. The heart rate sensor, the electromyographic sensor, the at
least one processor, and the memory are communicatively connected.
The memory stores computer-executable instructions for controlling
the at least one processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor surface
area in response to the electromyographic sensor receiving an
activation signal caused by a single user-gesture. In some
implementations, the single user-gesture includes clenching the
fist of the hand wearing the apparatus. In some implementations,
the device is configured to provide user feedback with reference to
the collected heart rate data without requiring further
user-gesture in addition to the single user-gesture.
[0019] In some implementations, an apparatus is provided as a
biometric monitoring device with heart rate measuring function
activated by a single user-gesture. The apparatus may include: one
or more biometric sensors comprising an optical heart rate sensor,
an activator of the optical heart rate sensor, a heart rate sensor
surface area through which the optical heart rate sensor can
collect heart rate data from a user, a feedback mechanism, at least
one processor, and a memory. The optical heart rate sensor, the
activator, the feedback mechanism, the at least one processor, and
the memory are communicatively connected. In some implementations,
instead of or in addition to local memory, the apparatus
communicatively connects with a memory remotely linked to the
apparatus, such as a memory on a server computer or a smart phone.
The memory stores computer-executable instructions for controlling
the at least one processor to cause the optical heart rate sensor
to start collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor
surface area in response to the activator receiving an activation
signal caused by a single user-gesture. The device is configured to
provide user feedback, through the feedback mechanism, with
reference to the collected heart rate data without requiring
further user-gestures in addition to the single user-gesture.
[0020] In some implementations, the optical heart rate sensor is
configured to automatically stop collecting heart rate data after a
defined criterion is met without requiring further user gestures in
addition to the single user-gesture. In some implementations, the
optical heart rate sensor is configured to, after it stops
collecting heart rate data, remain in a state that does not collect
heart rate data until another activation signal caused by a new
user-gesture is received.
[0021] In some implementations, the activator comprises at least
one sensor includes one or more of single-axis or multi-axis
gyroscopes and/or single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers. The
single user-gesture consists of a user moving or interacting with
the apparatus in a defined motion pattern. The memory further
stores computer-executable instructions for controlling the at
least one processor to cause the optical heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data in response to a detection of the
defined motion pattern using data obtained by the activator. In
some implementations, moving or interacting with the apparatus in a
defined motion pattern is selected from one or more of the
following: twisting the wrist wearing the apparatus, shaking the
apparatus, bringing a wrist wearing the apparatus from a resting
position to a watch-viewing position, moving the apparatus in a
"figure 8" motion, and any combinations thereof. In some
implementations, the apparatus is configured to be wearable as a
wrist-band.
[0022] In some implementations, the feedback to the user with
reference to the collected heart rate data includes one or more of
the following: average heart rate, minimum heart rate, maximum
heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate relative to target
heart rate zone, heart rate relative to resting heart rate, change
in heart rate, decrease in heart rate, increase in heart rate,
training advice with reference to heart rate, and a medical
condition with reference to heart rate. In some implementations,
the apparatus is configured to automatically authenticate the user
based on the collected heart rate data.
[0023] In some implementations, the optical heart rate sensor
comprises an optical heart rate sensor for the visible light
spectrum. In some implementations, the optical heart rate sensor
comprises an optical heart rate sensor for infrared light. In some
implementations, the optical heart rate sensor comprises a
photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor or pulse oximetry sensor.
[0024] In some implementations, the one or more biometric sensors
further includes one or more of the following: GPS, proximity
sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, ambient light
sensor, touch screen, temperature sensor, galvanic skin response
sensor, fingerprint reader, electromyographic sensor, altimeter,
pressure transducer, and force transducer, audio sensor,
bioelectrical impedance sensor, blood pressure sensor, moisture
sensor, and blood glucose sensor. In some implementations, the
apparatus includes a motion sensor providing motion data to
compensate for disruptions caused by arm movements that would
otherwise interfere with the heart rate data. In some
implementations, the apparatus has two or more heart rate
sensors.
[0025] In some implementations, the apparatus has feedback
mechanism including a display. The feedback to the user is provided
as a visual feedback through the display. In some implementations,
the visual feedback through the display includes causing the
display and/or a display backlight to turn on from an off or
standby state.
[0026] In some implementations, the apparatus is configured to
show, through the feedback mechanism, information derived from one
or more of the following with or without further user input:
calorie burn, floors climbed and/or descended, location and/or
heading, elevation, ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled,
swimming lap count, bicycle distance and/or speed, blood pressure,
blood glucose, skin conduction, skin and/or body temperature,
electromyography data, electroencephalography data, weight, body
fat, caloric intake, nutritional intake from food, medication
intake, sleep periods, sleep phases, sleep quality and/or duration,
pH levels, hydration levels, and respiration rate, barometric
pressure, temperature, humidity, pollen count, air quality,
rain/snow conditions, wind speed, ambient light, UV light exposure,
time and/or duration spent in darkness, noise exposure, radiation
exposure, and magnetic field.
[0027] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to provide
feedback indicating that heart rate collection has started,
succeeded, ended, and/or failed.
[0028] In some embodiments, a method for monitoring heart rate
using a biometric monitoring device is provided. In some
embodiments, the method involves receiving, by an activator, an
activation signal representing a single user-gesture by a user. The
method further involves activating a heart rate sensor, in response
to the activation signal, to start collecting heart rate data from
the user. The method also involves providing user feedback, through
a feedback mechanism, with reference to the collected heart rate
data without requiring further user-gestures in addition to the
single user-gesture. In some embodiments, the user feedback is
provided by haptic vibration. In some embodiments, the user
feedback includes an indication that heart rate data collection is
successful and/or an indication that heart rate data collection has
failed. In some embodiments, the user feedback includes one or more
of the following: average heart rate, minimum heart rate, maximum
heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate relative to target
heart rate zone, heart rate relative to resting heart rate, change
in heart rate, decrease in heart rate, increase in heart rate,
training advice with reference to heart rate, and a medical
condition with reference to heart rate.
[0029] In some embodiments, the method additionally involves
causing the heart rate sensor to stop collecting heart rate data
after a defined criterion is met without requiring further
user-gestures in addition to the single user-gesture. In some
embodiments, the method further includes causing the heart rate
sensor to remain in a state that does not collect heart rate data
until another activation signal caused by a new user-gesture is
received.
[0030] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor only collects
data when the single user-gesture is occurring and from a body part
of the user used to provide the single user-gesture. In some
embodiments, the defined criterion relates to a time period of
heart rate data collection and/or quality of heart rate data
collected.
[0031] These and other implementations are described in further
detail with reference to the Figures and the detailed description
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The various implementations disclosed herein are illustrated
by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of
the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may
refer to similar elements.
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts a generalized schematic of an example
computing device that may be used to implement a portable biometric
monitoring device or other device with which the heart rate
monitoring and various other operations described herein may be
executed.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict two examples of biometric monitoring
devices with heart rate monitoring function and having a button and
a display.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a wrist-mounted biometric
monitoring device with heart rate monitoring function having a
button, a display, and a band to secure the biometric monitoring
device to a user's forearm.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts another example of a wrist-mounted biometric
monitoring device with heart rate monitoring function having a
button, a display, a touch sensitive area, and a band to secure the
biometric monitoring device to a user's forearm.
[0037] FIG. 5 provides another cross-sectional view of a PPG
sensor. Of note in this PPG sensor is the lack of a protrusion.
Additionally, a liquid gasket and/or a pressure sensitive adhesive
are used to prevent liquid from entering the device body.
[0038] FIG. 6 provides a view of a portable monitoring device which
shows the skin-facing portion of the device. On this side, a sensor
protrusion and recess for mating a charger and/or data transmission
cable can be seen.
[0039] FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of a portable
monitoring device. This cross-section is through the electronics
package. Of note are the sensor protrusion, main PCB board and
display.
[0040] FIG. 8 provides a cross sectional view of a sensor
protrusion of a portable monitoring device. Two light sources (e.g.
LED's) are placed on either side of a photodetector to enable PPG
sensing. A light-blocking material is placed between the light
sources and the photodetector to prevent any light from the light
sources from going through the device body and being detected by
the photodetector. A flexible transparent layer may be placed on
the lower surface of the sensor protrusion to form a seal. This
transparent layer may serve other functions such as preventing
liquid from entering the device where the light sources or
photodetectors are placed. This transparent layer may be formed
through in-mold labeling or "IML". The light sources and
photodetector are placed on a flexible PCB.
[0041] FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram showing a process of a
biometric monitoring device collecting heart rate data and
providing feedback with reference to the collected heart rate
data.
[0042] FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram showing a process of a
biometric monitoring device collecting heart rate data from the
same body part that has interacted with the device to initiate data
collection, and providing visual feedback showing information
derived from the heart rate data.
[0043] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram showing a process of a
biometric monitoring device collecting heart rate data and
providing feedback when data collection starts and stops.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates an optimized PPG detector that has a
protrusion with curved sides so as not to discomfort the user.
Additionally, the surface of light pipes which connect the
photodetector and LEDs to the user's skin are contoured to maximize
light flux coupling between the LED's and photodetectors to the
light pipes. The ends of the light pipes which face the user's skin
are also contoured. This contour may provide focusing or defocusing
to optimize the PPG signal. For example, the contour may focus
light to a certain depth and location which coincides with an area
where blood flow is likely to occur. Also note that the vertex of
these foci overlap or are very close together so that the
photodetector receives the maximum possible amount of scattered
light.
[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a PPG sensor which has a light source,
light detector, ADC, processor, DAC/GPIOs, and light source
intensity and on/off control.
[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a PPG sensor similar to that of FIG. 13
which additionally uses a sample and hold circuit as well as analog
signal conditioning.
[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates a PPG having multiple switchable light
sources and detectors, light source intensity/on and off control,
and signal conditioning circuitry.
[0048] FIG. 16 depicts a person's arm, forearm, and hand with a
biometric monitoring device worn on the forearm.
[0049] FIG. 17 depicts a flow diagram for a technique that may be
used to cause a biometric monitoring device to activate the heart
rate sensor responsive to data received from biometric sensors
indicating motion of defined patterns.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction
[0050] Previously available biometric monitoring devices (BMDs)
(also referred to herein as "biometric tracking devices" or simply
as "devices") capable of measuring various types of information
tend to use cumbersome approaches to gather and provide the
information. For instance, a biometric monitoring device (BMD) may
require a user to interrupt what she is doing to take or display a
heart rate measurement. It is desirable to have heart rate
measuring devices that require minimal involvement by user in order
to obtain on-demand HR measurement. Such devices allow the person
to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user
interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate
sensor surface area. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide
biometric monitoring devices that allow a person to get a quick
heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting
their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate
monitoring with other desirable features. In some implementations,
the biometric monitoring device (BMD) provides heart rate
monitoring functions that are user friendly and simple to perform.
In some implementations, a single user-gesture causes the device to
collect heart rate data. In some embodiments, a single user-gesture
also causes the device to provide feedback to a user with regard to
the heart rate data. Various embodiments with heart rate monitoring
functions activated by a single user-gesture are further described
herein after.
[0051] In some implementations, a biometric monitoring device may
be designed such that it may be inserted into, and removed from, a
plurality of compatible cases/housings/holders, e.g., a wristband
that may be worn on a person's forearm or a belt clip case that may
be attached to a person's clothing. In some embodiments, the
biometric monitoring system may also include other devices or
components communicatively linked to the biometric monitoring
device. The communicative linking may involve direct or indirect
connection, as well as wired and wireless connections. Components
of said system may communicate to one another over a wireless
connection (e.g. Bluetooth) or a wired connection (e.g. USB).
Indirect communication refers to the transmission of data between a
first device and a secondary device with the aid of one or multiple
intermediary third devices which relay the data.
[0052] FIG. 1 depicts a generalized schematic of an example
portable biometric monitoring device, also simply referred to
herein as "biometric monitoring device," or other device with which
the various operations described herein may be executed. The
portable biometric monitoring device 102 may include a processing
unit 106 having one or more processors, a memory 108, a user
interface 104, one or more biometric sensors 110, and input/output
112. The processing unit 106, the memory 108, the user interface
104, the one or more biometric sensors 110, and the input/output
interface 112 may be communicatively connected via communications
path(s) 114. It is to be understood that some of these components
may also be connected with one another indirectly. In some
embodiments, components of FIG. 1 may be implemented as an external
component communicatively linked to other internal components. For
instance, in one embodiment, the memory 108 may be implemented as a
memory on a secondary device such as a computer or smart phone that
communicates with the device wirelessly or through wired connection
via the I/O interface 112. In another embodiment, the User
Interface may include some components on the device such as a
button, as well as components on a secondary device communicatively
linked to the device via the I/O interface 112, such as a touch
screen on a smart phone.
[0053] The portable biometric monitoring device may collect one or
more types of biometric data, e.g., data pertaining to physical
characteristics of the human body (such as heartbeat, perspiration
levels, etc.) and/or data relating to the physical interaction of
that body with the environment (such as accelerometer readings,
gyroscope readings, etc.), from the one or more sensors 110 and/or
external devices (such as an external blood pressure monitor). In
some embodiments, the one or more sensors 110 include a heart rate
sensor that is configured to be activated by an activator 116 of
the heart rate sensor. In some embodiments, the activator 116 is
also a biometric sensor, such as an accelerometer serving as both
an activator of the heart rate sensor and as a motion sensor. In
other embodiments, the activator may be a single-purpose device,
e.g., a touch sensor or button. The activator, in general, is a
mechanism through which a user input or activation signal may be
received or recognized by the device in order to initiate heart
rate measurement via the heart rate sensor. In some embodiments,
the device stores collected information in memory 108 for later
use, e.g., for communication to another device via the I/O
interface 112, e.g., a smartphone or to a server over a wide-area
network such as the Internet.
[0054] Biometric information, as used herein, refers to information
relating to the measurement and analysis of physical or behavioral
characteristics of human or animal subjects. Some biometric
information describes the relation between the subject and the
external environment, such as altitude or course of a subject.
Other biometric information describes the subject's physical
condition without regard to the external environment, such as the
subject's heart rate. The information concerning the subject is
generally referred to as biometric information. Similarly, sensors
for collecting the biometric information are referred to herein as
biometric sensors. In contrast, information about the external
environment regardless of the subject's condition is referred to as
environmental information, and sensors for collecting such
information are referred to herein as environmental sensors. It is
worth noting that sometimes the same sensor may be used to obtain
both biometric information and environmental information. For
instance, a light sensor worn by the user may function as part of a
photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that gathers biometric
information based on the reflection of light from the subject (such
light may originate from a light source in the device that is
configured to illuminate the portion of the person that reflects
the light). The same light sensor may also gather information
regarding ambient light when the device is not illuminating the
portion of the person. In this disclosure, the distinctions between
biometric and non-biometric information and sensors are drawn for
organizational purposes only. This distinction is not essential to
the disclosure, unless specified otherwise.
[0055] The processing unit 106 may also perform an analysis on the
stored data and may initiate various actions depending on the
analysis. For example, the processing unit 106 may determine that
the data stored in the memory 108 indicates that a goal threshold
has been reached and may then display content on a display of the
portable BMD celebrating the achievement of the goal. The display
may be part of the user interface 104 (as may be a button or other
control, not pictured, that may be used to control a functional
aspect of the portable biometric monitoring device). In some
embodiments, the user interface 104 includes components in or on
the device. In some embodiments, the user interface 104 also
includes components external from the device that are nonetheless
communicatively linked to the device. For instance, a smartphone or
a computer communicatively linked to the BMD may provide user
interface components through which a user can interact with the
BMD.
[0056] In general, BMDs may incorporate one or more types of user
interfaces including but not limited to visual, auditory,
touch/vibration, or combinations thereof. The BMD may, for example,
display information relating to one or more of the data types
available and/or being tracked by the biometric monitoring device
through, for example, a graphical display or through the intensity
and/or color of one or more LEDs. The user interface may also be
used to display data from other devices or internet sources. The
device may also provide haptic feedback through, for instance, the
vibration of a motor or a change in texture or shape of the device.
In some implementations, the biometric sensors themselves may be
used as part of the user interface, e.g., accelerometer sensors may
be used to detect when a person taps the housing of the biometric
monitoring unit with a finger or other object and may then
interpret such data as a user input for the purposes of controlling
the biometric monitoring device. For example, moving the BMD in a
"figure 8" motion or double tapping the BMD may be recognized by
the biometric monitoring device as a user input that will cause the
display of the biometric monitoring device to turn on from an off
state or that will cause the biometric monitoring device to
transition between different monitoring states, e.g., transitioning
a heart rate sensor from an "off" to an "on" state.
[0057] In one example, while the user is wearing the biometric
monitoring device 102, the biometric monitoring device 102 may
measure and store a user's heart rate while the user is wearing the
biometric monitoring device 102 and then subsequently transmit data
representative of heart rate to the user's account on a web service
like fitbit dot com, to a mobile computational device, e.g., a
phone, paired with the portable biometric monitoring unit, and/or
to a standalone computer where the data may be stored, processed,
and visualized by the user. Such data transmission may be carried
out via communications through I/O interface 112. The device can
also derive and/or provide information related to heart rate, such
as average heart rate, minimum heart rate, maximum heart rate,
heart rate variability, heart rate relative to target heart rate
zone, heart rate relative to resting heart rate, change in heart
rate, heart rate recovery, training advice with reference to heart
rate, a medical condition with reference to heart rate. In
addition, the device may measure, calculate, or use a plurality of
other physiological metrics other than the user's heart rate. These
include, but are not limited to, step count, caloric energy
expenditure, floors climbed or descended, location and/or heading
(e.g., through GPS), elevation, ambulatory speed and/or distance
traveled, swimming lap count, bicycle distance and/or speed, blood
pressure, blood glucose, skin conduction, skin and/or body
temperature, electromyography data, electroencephalographic data,
weight, body fat, and respiration rate. Some of this data may be
provided to the biometric monitoring device from an external
source, e.g., the user may input their height, weight, and stride
in a user profile on a fitness-tracking website and such
information may then be communicated to the biometric monitoring
device via the I/O interface 112 and used to evaluate, in tandem
with data measured by the sensors 110, the distance traveled or
calories burned by the user. The device may also measure or
calculate metrics related to the environment around the user such
as barometric pressure, weather conditions, light exposure, noise
exposure, and magnetic field.
[0058] As mentioned previously, collected biometric data from the
biometric monitoring device may be communicated to external devices
through the communications or I/O interface 112. The I/O or
communications interface may include wireless communication
functionality so that when the biometric monitoring device comes
within range of a wireless base station or access point, the stored
data automatically uploads to an Internet-viewable source such as a
website, e.g., fitbit dot com. The wireless communications
functionality may be provided using one or more communications
technologies known in the art, e.g., Bluetooth, RFID, Near-Field
Communications (NFC), Zigbee, Ant, optical data transmission, etc.
The biometric monitoring device may also contain wired
communication capability, e.g., USB.
[0059] Other implementations regarding the use of short range
wireless communication are described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/785,904, titled "Near Field Communication System, and
Method of Operating Same" filed Mar. 5, 2013 which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0060] It is to be understood that FIG. 1 illustrates a generalized
implementation of a biometric monitoring device 102 that may be
used to implement a portable biometric monitoring device or other
device in which the various operations described herein may be
executed. It is to be understood that in some implementations, the
functionality represented in FIG. 1 may be provided in a
distributed manner between, for example, an external sensor device
and communication device, e.g., an external blood pressure meter
that may communicate with a biometric monitoring device.
[0061] Moreover, it is to be understood that in addition to storing
program code for execution by the processing unit to effect the
various methods and techniques of the implementations described
herein, the memory 108 may also store configuration data or other
information used during the execution of various programs or
instruction sets or used to configure the biometric monitoring
device. The memory 108 may also store biometric data collected by
the biometric monitoring device. In some embodiments, the memory
may be distributed on more than one devices, e.g., spanning both
the BMD and an external computer connected through the I/O 112. In
some embodiments, the memory may be exclusively located on an
external device. With regard to the memory architecture, for
example, multiple different classes of storage may be provided
within the memory 108 to store different classes of data. For
example, the memory 108 may include non-volatile storage media such
as fixed or removable magnetic, optical, or semiconductor-based
media to store executable code and related data and/or volatile
storage media such as static or dynamic RAM to store more transient
information and other variable data.
[0062] It is to be further understood that the processing unit 106
may be implemented by a general or special purpose processor (or
set of processing cores) and thus may execute sequences of
programmed instructions to effectuate the various operations
associated with sensor device syncing, as well as interaction with
a user, system operator or other system components. In some
implementations, the processing unit may be an application-specific
integrated circuit.
[0063] Though not shown, numerous other functional blocks may be
provided as part of the biometric monitoring device 102 according
to other functions it may be required to perform, e.g.,
environmental sensing functionality, etc. Other functional blocks
may provide wireless telephony operations with respect to a
smartphone and/or wireless network access to a mobile computing
device, e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.
The functional blocks of the biometric monitoring device 102 are
depicted as being coupled by the communication path 114 which may
include any number of shared or dedicated buses or signaling links.
More generally, however, the functional blocks shown may be
interconnected using a variety of different architectures and may
be implemented using a variety of different underlying technologies
and architectures. The various methods and techniques disclosed
herein may be implemented through execution of one or more a
sequences of instructions, e.g., software programs, by the
processing unit 106 or by a custom-built hardware ASIC
(application-specific integrated circuit) or programmed into a
programmable hardware device such as an FPGA (field-programmable
gate array), or any combination thereof within or external to the
processing unit 106.
[0064] Further implementations of portable biometric monitoring
devices can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/156,304, titled "Portable Biometric Monitoring Devices and
Methods of Operating Same" filed Jun. 8, 2011, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0065] In some implementations, the biometric monitoring device may
include computer-executable instructions for controlling one or
more processors of the biometric monitoring device to obtain
biometric data from one or more biometric sensors. The instructions
may also control the one or more processors to receive a request,
e.g., an input from a button or touch interface on the biometric
monitoring device, a particular pattern of biometric sensor data
(e.g., a double-tap reading), etc., to display an aspect of the
obtained biometric data on a display of the biometric monitoring
device. The aspect may be a numerical quantity, a graphic, or
simply an indicator (a goal progress indicator, for example). In
some implementations, the display may be an illuminable display so
as to be visible when displaying data but otherwise invisible to a
casual observer. The instructions may also cause the one or more
processors to cause the display to turn on from an off state in
order to display the aspect of the biometric data. The instructions
may also cause the display to turn off from an on state after a
predefined time period elapses without any user interaction with
the biometric monitoring device; this may assist in conserving
power.
[0066] Due to the small size of many biometric monitoring devices,
many biometric monitoring devices may have limited space to
accommodate various user interface components. For example, Fitbit
makes a variety of extremely compact biometric tracking units that
each incorporates a biometric sensor suite, a battery, a display of
some sort, a charging interface, and one or more wireless
communications interfaces. In some such examples, the biometric
tracking units also incorporate a vibramotor and/or a button. These
components may be housed, for example, within housings measuring
approximately 2'' long, 0.75'' wide, and 0.5'' thick (Fitbit
ULTRA.TM.); approximately 1.9'' in length, 0.75'' wide, and 0.375''
thick (Fitbit ONE.TM.); approximately 1.4'' long, 1.1'' wide, and
0.375'' thick (Fitbit ZIP.TM.); and approximately 1.3'' in length,
0.5'' wide, and 0.25'' thick (Fitbit FLEX.TM.). Of course, housings
of other sizes may be used in other implementations of biometric
monitoring devices; the above list is merely intended to illustrate
the small size of many such biometric monitoring devices.
[0067] Despite the small sizes of the above-listed Fitbit devices,
each includes a display of some type--the Fitbit ULTRA.TM., Fitbit
ONE.TM., and Fitbit ZIP.TM., for example, all include small
pixelated display screens capable of outputting text, numbers, and
graphics. The Fitbit FLEX.TM., due to its smaller size, uses
discrete light-emitting diode (LED) indicators, e.g., 5 LEDs
arranged in a row, to convey information visually. Each of the
above-listed Fitbit devices also has an input mechanism that allows
a user to affect some aspect of the device's operation. For
example, the Fitbit ULTRA.TM. and Fitbit ONE.TM. each include a
discrete pushbutton that allows a user to affect how the device
operates. The Fitbit ZIP.TM. and Fitbit FLEX.TM., by contrast, do
not have a discrete pushbutton but are instead each configured to
detect, using their biometric sensors, when the user taps the
housing of the device; such events are construed by the processor
or processors of such devices as signaling a user input, i.e.,
acting as the input mechanism. In some implementations of biometric
monitoring devices described herein, the biometric monitoring
devices may have only one mechanism, e.g., biometric sensors, for
receiving input from a wearer (other than wireless or wired links
to other devices). In some other implementations, the biometric
monitoring device may include only one mechanism, e.g., a touch
sensitive area, other than the biometric sensors in the biometric
monitoring device for receiving input from a wearer. For instance,
in some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device includes a
heart rate sensor and a touch sensitive area. The touch sensitive
area functions as an activator for the heart rate sensor, such that
when a user touches the area, an activation signal is detected,
which triggers the heart rate sensor to collect heart rate related
data from the user. In some embodiments, the heart rate related
data is collected through the same touch sensitive area, such that
a single touch-and-hold user gesture triggers the data collection
and allows data to be collected from the body part that triggers
the data collection.
[0068] In some implementations, one or more components of 102 may
be distributed across multiple devices, forming a biometric
monitoring system 102 spanning multiple devices. Such
implementations are also considered to be within the scope of this
disclosure. For instance, the user interface 104 on a first device
may not have any mechanism for receiving physical input from a
wearer, but the user interface 104 may include a component on a
second, paired device, e.g., a smart phone, that communicates
wirelessly with the first device. The user interface 104 on the
smart phone allows a user to provide input to the first device,
such as providing user names and current location. Similarly, in
some implementations, a biometric monitoring device may not have
any display at all, i.e., be unable to display any biometric data
directly--biometric data from such biometric monitoring devices may
instead be communicated to a paired electronic device, e.g., a
smartphone, wirelessly and such biometric data may then be
displayed on data display screens shown on the paired electronic
device. Such implementations are also considered to be within the
scope of this disclosure, i.e., such a paired electronic device may
act as a component of the biometric monitoring system 102
configured to communicate with biometric sensors located internal
or external to the paired electronic device (such biometric sensors
may be located in a separate module worn elsewhere on the wearer's
body).
Single-Gesture Heart Rate Monitoring
[0069] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
provides a heart rate monitoring function requiring only a single
user-gesture in order to collect heart rate data. In some
embodiments, the heart rate monitoring function initiates heart
rate data collection in response to a single user-gesture. In some
embodiments, the device provides user feedback regarding the
collected heart rate data without requiring further user input. The
present inventors have realized that heart rate monitoring
activated by a single user-gesture is desirable. As used herein, a
"single user-gesture" is an action of a user relative to a single
part of the apparatus, wherein the action is interpreted by the
apparatus as a single behavioral pattern. Examples of a single
user-gesture includes, but are not limited to, a single touch of a
surface of an apparatus, touching and holding a button, a double
tap on the same part of a device that is interpreted as a single
behavioral pattern indicating a single command, shaking of the
device, moving the device in a certain trajectory, e.g., a "figure
8" trajectory, staring at the apparatus or a particular portion of
the apparatus (when the apparatus has gaze detection function),
bringing a body part into proximity with the apparatus, bringing an
arm wearing a wristband-type BMD from a downwards-extended position
to a viewing position, twisting the wrist wearing a BMD implemented
as wrist band, etc. One example that is not a single user-gesture
is touching a button of a device twice wherein each touch is
interpreted by the device as a separate behavioral pattern, each
pattern indicating a command, e.g., a command to activate a
function or advance a display from one screen of information to a
next. Another example of an action that is not a single
user-gesture is touching two different parts of a device, for
example, touching a button with one body part while touching a
sensor component with another body part (or touching two separate
sensor components with two different body parts). Yet another
example of an action that is not a single user-gesture or
interaction is to scroll through a touch screen and then tap an
icon or contact the device to activate data collection. It is also
to be understood that the mere act of normally wearing a BMD is not
a "user-gesture" as used herein, e.g., strapping or wearing a
wristband BMD onto one's wrist is not a user-gesture as used
herein.
[0070] As mentioned above, various implementations of portable
biometric monitoring devices described herein may have shapes and
sizes adapted for coupling to the body or clothing of a user (e.g.,
secured to, worn, borne by, etc.). Various examples of such
portable biometric monitoring devices are shown in FIGS. 2-5. FIGS.
2A-2B depict two biometric monitoring devices 200 and 201 similar
in shape to a Fitbit ONE.TM., which may be inserted into a holder
with a belt clip or into a pocket on a wristband. As used herein,
the term "wristband" may refer to a band that is designed to fully
or partially encircle a person's forearm near the wrist joint. The
band may be continuous, e.g., without any breaks (it may stretch to
fit over a person's hand or have an expanding portion similar to a
dress watchband), or may be discontinuous, e.g., having a clasp or
other connection allowing the band to be closed similar to a
watchband or may be simply open, e.g., having a C-shape that clasps
the wearer's wrist.
[0071] Biometric monitoring device 200 in FIG. 2A includes a
housing 202 that contains the electronics associated with the
biometric monitoring devices 200. Among other sensors, the housing
202 includes a heart rate sensor and an activator of the heart rate
sensor. The heart rate sensor is an optical sensor such as the
optical sensor assembly 500 shown in FIG. 5. The optical sensor may
be configured as a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor or pulse
oximetry sensor. The activator can be a pressure or touch sensitive
sensor, e.g., capacitive touch, resistive touch, ultrasonic touch,
etc., or a proximity sensor, e.g., infrared, capacitive, etc., as
described in the sensor section of the disclosure. Notably, the
heart rate sensor collects data through a heart rate sensor surface
area located in the area of button 204. Therefore, the button has a
surface that is optically transparent for the optical sensor, e.g.,
infrared transparent for an infrared sensor. Furthermore, the
activator receives input through an activator surface area, which
also is located in the area of button 204. The collocation of the
sensor surface area and the activator surface area allows the same
body part that touches button 204 to provide activation signal to
the activator and heart rate related blood volume signal to the
optical sensor. This is design allows a single user-gesture of
pressing the button 204 to send an activation signal to the
activator, which causes the heart rate sensor to collect heart rate
data from the same body part that presses the button 204,
eliminating the complication of using multiple user gestures to
activate the heart rate sensor and to provide physiological data to
the sensor. Biometric monitoring device 200 also includes a display
206 that may be accessible/visible through the housing 202. In some
embodiments, the display automatically shows measured heart rate
related information without requiring further user input. This
further simplifies the user experience to get a heart rate reading.
Biometric monitoring devices 200 and 201 are similar except that
device 200 has a button 204 for user input, while device 201 has a
touch sensitive surface 205 that merges seamlessly with the device
housing 202. The touch sensitive surface 205 provides a signal path
for an activator, such as an IR-based proximity detector or a
capacitive touch/proximity detector.
[0072] When the heart rate sensor that is used in such embodiments
is a PPG sensor (or other single-point-of-measurement heart rate
sensor), then such embodiments may not only initiate heart rate
collection responsive to a single user-gesture, but they may also
allow for the collection of heart rate data without any further
interaction of the user with the device. This is because a PPG
sensor may detect heart rate through taking measurements from a
single body part, e.g., a wrist or a finger. In contrast, an
electrocardiograph (EKG) heart rate sensor requires that
measurements be taken from multiple electrodes, each in contact
with a different part of the body. Thus, a PPG-based embodiment may
be particularly well-suited to measuring data from a single
user-gesture and a single body part. While an EKG-based embodiment
may be able to initiate a measurement based on a single gesture, it
requires contact of multiple body parts (usually on opposite sides
of the heart from one another) with the EKG sensor electrodes in
order to function. Thus, if a user wished to take a heart rate
measurement while the device is in their pocket, they would easily
be able to do so with a PPG-based, single gesture heart rate
measurement device, but would find it very difficult or impossible
to do so with an EKG-based, single gesture heart rate measurement
device since they would be unable to fit two both hands in their
pocket (and would look ungainly in trying to do so).
[0073] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area and
the activator surface area are less than 2, or less than 1, or less
than 0.5 centimeters apart as measured by the distance along the
exterior surface of the housing, thereby allowing a single body
part of a user to simultaneously interact with the activator and
the heart rate sensor. In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor
surface area and the activator surface area overlap as measured by
the distance along the exterior surface of the housing. In some
embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area seamlessly joins
the surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the activator
surface area seamlessly joins the surface of the housing. In some
embodiments, the apparatus has only one heart rate sensor surface
area. In other embodiments, the apparatus has two or more heart
rate sensor surface areas and two or more heart rate sensors.
[0074] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface area and
the activator surface area are arranged on a substantially flat
plane or a nominally common surface, thereby allowing a single body
part of a user to simultaneously interact with the activator and
the heart rate sensor. Many BMDs feature "organic" shapes, e.g.,
smoothly rounded or blended exterior surfaces, which may make it
difficult to define where one surface begins and another ends.
Thus, it may be more useful to describe a nominally common surface
in the negative--for example, surfaces that, for the most part,
face in completely opposite directions (e.g., a front surface and a
back surface) are not, for the purposes of this disclosure,
considered to be a nominally common surface. The term
"substantially flat plane" may refer to both a true flat plane as
well as a smoothly-curved surface that is largely free of drastic
curvature (the display and button area of a Fitbit One.TM. BMD
provides one example of a "substantially flat plane."
[0075] FIG. 3 depicts a biometric monitoring device that may be
worn on a person's forearm like a wristwatch, much like a Fitbit
FLEX.TM. or FORCE.TM.. Biometric monitoring device 300 has a
housing 302 that contains the electronics associated with the
biometric monitoring device 300. A button 304 and a display 306 may
be accessible/visible through the housing 302. A wristband 308 may
be integrated with the housing 302. In some embodiments, the button
304 may be implemented similarly as the button 204 of FIG. 2A,
which provides a mechanism to activate a heart rate sensor to
collect heart rate data in response to a single user-gesture. In
some embodiments, the display 306 may be implemented similarly as
the touch sensitive surface 205 of FIG. 2B, providing a mechanism
to activate a heart rate sensor to collect heart rate data in
response to a single user-gesture.
[0076] FIG. 4 depicts another example of a biometric monitoring
device that may be worn on a person's forearm like a wristwatch,
although with a bigger display than the biometric monitoring device
of FIG. 3. Biometric monitoring device 400 has a housing 402 that
contains the electronics associated with the biometric monitoring
device 400. A button 404 and a display 406 may be
accessible/visible through the housing 402. A wristband 408 may be
integrated with the housing 402, which includes a touch sensitive
area 410 similar to the touch sensitive area 205 described above,
providing a mechanism to activate a heart rate sensor to collect
heart rate data in response to a single user-gesture. In some
embodiments, the button 404 may be implemented in the same manner
as the button of 204, providing a mechanism to activate a heart
rate sensor to collect heart rate data in response to a single
user-gesture.
[0077] In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the
biometric monitoring devices include an optical sensor under a flat
optical sensor area. FIG. 5 shows one implementation of such an
optical sensor. The optical sensor includes two LEDs 504 as light
sources. The optical sensor also includes a photodetector 502. An
optically transparent layer covers the LEDs 504 in the photo
detector 502, providing protection to the elements. The optically
transparent layer 508 serves as the sensor surface area through
which the photodetector collects heart rate data. Furthermore, the
optically transparent layer also serves as the activator surface
area, through which an activation signal indicating a single user
gesture can be detected by activator. In some embodiments, the
photodetector 502 can function as an activator by detecting ambient
light, wherein an ambient light drop indicates the user has covered
the activator surface area. Upon such signal, the LEDs 504 are
activated to emit light, and the photodetector collects reflection
from the user's skin and tissue indicating heart rate information.
In other embodiments, a separate sensor is implemented as the
activator, such as an infrared proximity sensor or a capacitive
touch sensor (not shown).
[0078] In addition to the optical sensor elements, the biometric
monitoring device also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 510,
atop which the photodetector 502 and the LEDs 504 reside. In some
embodiments, the optically transparent layer 508 is secured to the
device body 512 by pressure sensitive adhesives 516 and liquid
gaskets 514. In other embodiments, the optically transparent layer
is seamlessly merged with the top layer of the device body (not
shown). This latter embodiment provides a more aesthetic appearance
and a better seal, but it will not allow the optically transparent
layer 508 to depress relative to the device body.
[0079] The biometric monitoring device is adapted to be worn or
carried on the body of a user. In some embodiments including the
optical heart rate monitor, the device may be a wrist-worn or
arm-mounted accessory such as a watch or bracelet. In one
embodiment, optical elements of the optical heart rate sensor are
located on the interior or skin side of the biometric monitoring
device, for example, in a sensor protrusion 614 facing and adjacent
to the top of the wrist when the device 600 of FIG. 6 is wrist
mounted. Biometric monitoring device 600 also includes a device
housing 602, buttons 604 that are similar to button 204 of FIG. 4,
which is implemented as a mechanism for collecting data in response
to a single user-gesture. Furthermore, biometric monitoring device
600 also includes securing method 612 such as a hook and loop or
clasp. The device also includes an attachment band 608 and a
charger mating recess 616.
[0080] In some embodiments, the optical heart rate monitor is
located on one or more external surfaces of the biometric
monitoring device that do not substantially contact the wearer's
body when worn, such as the one or more buttons 604 of device 600.
In this embodiment, the user may touch an optical window on a
button 604 (behind which optical elements of the optical heart rate
monitor are located) with a finger on the opposing hand to initiate
a heart rate measurement (and/or other metrics related to heart
rate such as heart rate variability) and/or collect data which may
be used to determine the user's heart rate (and/or other metrics
related to heart rate) In some embodiments, a biometric monitoring
device need not be worn on the wrist in order to engage the heart
rate measurement since the heart rate may be obtained through the
single user-interaction with the button). In one embodiment, the
biometric monitoring device 600 may trigger or initiate the
measurement(s) by detecting a (sudden) drop in incident light on
the photodiode--for example, when the user's finger is placed over
the optical window. In this embodiment, the incident light sensor
functions as the activator of the heart rate sensor. In addition
thereto, or in lieu thereof, a heart rate measurement (or other
such metric) may be trigged by an IR-based proximity detector
and/or capacitive touch/proximity detector (which may be separate
from other detectors) functioning as activator of the heart rate
sensor. Such IR-based proximity detector and/or capacitive
touch/proximity detector may be disposed in or on and/or
functionally, electrically and/or physically coupled to the optical
window to detect or determine the presence of a single
user-gesture, such as a finger touching or in proximity of the
buttons 604.
[0081] In one embodiment, the biometric monitoring device may
include a button which, when depressed, triggers or initiates heart
rate measurement (and/or other metrics related to heart rate). The
button may be disposed in close proximity of the optical window to
facilitate the user pressing the button while the finger is
disposed on the optical window. In one embodiment, the optical
window may be embedded in a push button. Thus, when the user
presses the button, it could trigger a measurement via the user's
finger which depresses the button. Indeed, the button may be given
a shape and/or resistance to pressing that enhances or optimizes a
pressure profile against the finger to provide high SNR during
measurement or data acquisition. In other embodiments (not
illustrated), the biometric monitoring device may take the form of
a clip, smooth object, pendant, anklet, belt, etc. that is adapted
to be worn on the body, clipped or mounted to an article of
clothing, deposited in clothing (e.g., pocket), or deposited in an
accessory (e.g., handbag).
[0082] In one specific embodiment, the biometric monitoring device
includes a protrusion 614 on the skin- or interior-side of the
device. When contacting the user, the protrusion 614 engages the
skin with more force than the surrounding device body. In this
embodiment, an optical window or light transmissive structure may
form or be incorporated in a portion of the protrusion. The light
emitter(s) and/or detector(s) of the optical sensor may be disposed
or arranged in the protrusion juxtaposed the window or light
transmissive structure. As such, when attached to the user's body,
the window portion of the protrusion of the biometric monitoring
device engages the user's skin with more force than the surrounding
device body--thereby providing a more secure physical connection
between the user's skin and the optical window. That is, a
protrusion improves sustained contact between the biometric
monitoring device and the user's skin which may reduce the amount
of stray light measured by the photodetector, decrease motion
between the biometric monitoring device and the user, and/or
provide improved local pressure to the user's skin; all of which
may increase the quality of the cardiac signal of interest.
Notably, the protrusion may contain other sensors that benefit from
close proximity and/or secure contact to the user's skin. These may
be included in addition to or in lieu of a heart rate sensor and
include sensors such as a skin temperature sensor (e.g., noncontact
thermopile that utilizes the optical window or thermistor joined
with thermal epoxy to the outer surface of the protrusion), pulse
oximeter, blood pressure sensor, EMG, or galvanic skin response
(GSR) sensor.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of biometric monitoring
device 600, revealing the interior of the protrusion 614, a printed
circuit board (PCB) 620, and a display 622. FIG. 8 shows further
details of elements of the optical sensor of biometric monitoring
device of 600. The optical sensor includes a photodetector 626, and
two LEDs 628 as light sources. It also includes protective
transparent layer 630 covering and protecting the photodetectors
626 and the LEDs 628. Light blocking material 632 fills the space
around the LEDs 628 and the photodetector 626. The flexible PCB 624
sits atop LEDs 628 and photodetector 626.
[0084] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring devices use
process 900 shown in the flow chart of FIG. 9 to collect heart rate
data and provide feedback with reference to the collected heart
rate in response to a single user-gesture. In some embodiments, the
device determines if the activator receives an activation signal
indicating a single user-gesture. See block 910. In some
embodiments, the activation signal is collected through an
activation surface area as described above. In other embodiments,
the activation signal was collected by sensor without requiring an
activator surface area, such as in the case of a motion sensor or
electromyography sensor as described further below. Upon the
activation signal, the device causes the heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor surface
area. See block 920. Furthermore, the device automatically provides
user feedback relating to the collected heart rate data through the
feedback mechanism. In some embodiments, the feedback may indicate
the start, end, or failure of collecting heart rate data. In some
embodiments, the feedback may include heart rate and/or related
information. The feedback is provided without requiring further
user-gesture in addition to the single user-gesture. See block
930.
[0085] In some embodiments, a biometric monitoring device includes
one or more biometric sensors comprising an optical heart rate
sensor, an activator of the heart rate sensor, a heart rate sensor
surface area through which the heart rate sensor can collect heart
rate data from a user, a feedback mechanism such as a display or
LEDs, at least one processor, and a memory. The heart rate sensor,
the activator, the feedback mechanism, the at least one processor,
and the memory are communicatively connected. The memory stores
computer-executable instructions for controlling the at least one
processor to cause the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart
rate data through the heart rate sensor surface area in response to
the activator receiving an activation signal caused by a single
user-gesture. The activator may be implemented as, for instance, a
motion sensor that detects a defined motion pattern of the device,
or touch/pressure sensor that detects a touch of a surface or a
button press. The processor also provides user feedback with
reference to the collected heart rate data through the feedback
mechanism without requiring further user-gesture in addition to the
single user-gesture. In some embodiments, the feedback may include
a vibration pattern generated by a vibration motor to indicate that
heart rate collection has started, ended, and/or failed.
[0086] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring devices may
use process 1000 shown in the flow chart of FIG. 10 to collect
heart rate data and provide feedback with reference to the
collected heart rate in response to a single user-gesture. The
method 1000 is a special case of method 900, in that the activation
signal is received through an actuator surface area, and that
feedback is provided through a display. Therefore, the activator
may be implemented as a touch or proximity sensor. In some
embodiments, the device determines if the activator receives an
activation signal through the activator surface area caused by a
single user-gesture. See block 1010. Upon the activation signal,
the device causes the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart
rate data through the heart rate sensor surface area. See block
1020. Furthermore, the device automatically provides visual
feedback relating to the collected heart rate data through a
display. In some embodiments, providing a visual feedback through a
display may comprise causing the display and/or a display backlight
to turn on from an off state. In some embodiments, the feedback
includes one or more of the following: average heart rate, minimum
heart rate, maximum heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate
relative to target heart rate zone, heart rate relative to resting
heart rate, change in heart rate, decrease in heart rate, increase
in heart rate, training advice with reference to heart rate, a
medical condition with reference to heart rate. The feedback is
provided without requiring further user-gesture in addition to the
single user-gesture. See block 1030.
[0087] In some embodiments implementing method 1000, the heart rate
sensor involved is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, only one
heart rate sensor surface area is required. To implement the method
of 1000, a biometric monitoring device needs (i) a heart rate
sensor surface area through which the heart rate sensor can collect
heart rate data from a user and (ii) an activator surface area
through which the activator can receive activation signals from the
user, along with other components similar to the implementation of
method 900. Notably, these implementations require a single user
gesture to activate the heart rate sensor and to allow data
collection using the sensor. Therefore some embodiments provide a
closely-located or collocated hear rate sensor surface area and
activator surface area, which allows a user to touch the activator
surface area using a single body part, e.g., a finger, which
triggers the heart rate sensor to collect data from the same body
part.
[0088] In some embodiments, biometric monitoring devices may use
process 1100 shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11 to collect heart
rate data and provide feedback regarding the collected heart rate
in response to a single user-gesture. The method 1100 is a special
case of method 900, in that feedback is provided regarding the
start and stop of data collection, and that heart rate sensor
automatically stops. In some embodiments, the device determines if
the activator receives an activation signal caused by a single
user-gesture. See block 1110. Upon receiving the activation signal,
the device causes the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart
rate data through the heart rate sensor surface area. See block
1120. Furthermore, the device automatically provides user feedback
indicating that heart rate data collection has started, e.g., by a
single vibration. See block 1130. The feedback is provided without
requiring further user-gesture in addition to the single
user-gesture. Then the device automatically stops the heart rate
sensor from collecting further data after one or more criteria are
met, thereby minimizing battery consumption, block 1140. In some
embodiments, the device automatically stops data collection after a
set period of time, such as about 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds,
20 seconds, 40 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes. In some
embodiments, the device automatically stops array data collection
after a reliable heart rate reading is obtained. In some
embodiments, the device further provides feedback indicating that
heart rate data collection has succeeded, e.g. by a double
vibration. In some embodiments, the device provides feedback
indicating that heart rate data collection has failed and stopped,
e.g. by a triple vibration.
[0089] In some alternative embodiments, the BMD stops or early
terminates data collection in response to a new user gesture (e.g.
twisting a hand wearing the BMD) or change of user gesture (lifting
the finger pressing a sensor surface area). In some embodiments,
the BMD provides feedback in manners that vary from the process of
1100. For instance, instead of using an active feedback to indicate
a failure of data collection, the absence of feedback for a
successful data collection indicates the failure of data
collection. In some further embodiments, the only feedback that may
be provided to the user is that a successful heart rate measurement
has been obtained, e.g., no feedback is provided regarding the
start of such a measurement nor of any failure of such a
measurement. In one such example, the device may vibrate or emit an
audible signal, e.g., a chime or beep, indicating that a heart rate
measurement has been obtained in response to a user gesture.
[0090] In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented as a
non-wristband form, such as a fob, pendant, beltclip, clothclip,
etc. Such implementations allow user to discreetly measure heart
rate, such measurement being unnoticeable by other people when
measurement is taken. The implementations also afford ease of
measurement, so the user does not need to run with arms crossed in
front to take measurement off a wristband. For example, if the user
is feeling stressed during a job interview, they may wish to obtain
a measurement of their heart rate during the interview. If they
have a biometric monitoring device that may be carried in their
pocket, they may reach into the pocket and touch the activator of
the heart rate sensor; when the heart rate sensor has obtained a
valid heart rate measurement, the biometric monitoring device may
gently vibrate to alert the user that the measurement has been
obtained--such feedback is likely not evident to the interviewer,
so there is little risk to the user that their preoccupation with
their heart rate may negatively impact the interview. The
non-wrist-band type of BMDs with single-gesture and
discreet-feedback heart rate measurement features are suitable for
measuring heart rate without interfering with current activity. For
example, a user can hold the BMD in their hand while exercising and
then take a quick heart rate measurement on demand without unduly
interfering with the exercise activity (as compared with a
wrist-mounted BMD that may require multiple body parts to contact
it, or as compared with a BMD that requires that the user navigate
through menus, interact with multiple points on the BMD in order to
obtain a measurement (such as an EKG-based device), or utilize
multiple body parts in interacting with the BMD).
[0091] In some embodiments, the BMD is implemented in a wristband
form or coupled to a wrist band. Such implementation can may have
the heart rate sensor on a skin-facing side (e.g., the protrusion
of 614 in FIG. 6), an external side facing away from the skin when
worn on the wrist (e.g. the button or touch surface of 604 in FIG.
6 or 404 in FIG. 4), or both. In an implementation that has the
heart rate sensor on the skin facing side, the heart rate sensor
can be activated by a specific motion pattern detected by a motion
sensor. The defined motion can be implemented as different
patterns, such as twisting the wrist wearing the device, shaking
the device, moving the device in a "figure 8" pattern or bring the
device to a watch-viewing position. Upon activation, the heart rate
collects PPG data from the wrist of the user. In some embodiments,
the skin-facing heart rate sensor such as that in 614 may be
triggered by an activator receiving a signal indicating a single
touch of a button or surface 604 facing away from the wrist
skin.
[0092] In some embodiments, such as in device 400, a wrist band
type BMD has a surface area 410 facing away from the wrist when
worn. In some embodiments, a heart rate sensor surface area and an
activator surface area are near each other or overlap, and both are
located in the surface area 400. In such embodiments, a single
gesture such as a touch of the surface area 410 provides an
activation signal that causes the heart rate sensor to collect
heart rate related signal from the same body part that has provided
the activation signal.
[0093] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
includes a heart rate sensor and an altimeter. The device may also
include an activator of the heart rate sensor, a heart rate sensor
surface area through which the heart rate sensor can collect heart
rate data from a user, at least one processor, and a memory. The
heart rate sensor, the altimeter, the activator, the at least one
processor, and the memory may be communicatively connected. The
device may be configured to start collecting heart rate data
through the heart rate sensor surface area in response to the
activator receiving an activation signal caused by a single
user-gesture. In some embodiments, the device is configured to
obtain altitude data from the altimeter. In some embodiments, the
altitude data comprises atmosphere pressure data or environmental
pressure data, or relative changes therein. In some embodiments,
the device uses the altitude data to calculate flights of stairs
climbed.
[0094] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
includes a GPS. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring
device includes a proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the
biometric monitoring device includes a heart rate sensor and an
electromyography sensor. The device may cause the heart rate sensor
to start collecting heart rate data through the heart rate sensor
surface area in response to the electromyography sensor receiving
an activation signal caused by a single user-gesture. In some such
embodiments, the single user-gesture is provided by clenching the
hand wearing the apparatus.
[0095] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
includes one or more biometric sensors comprising an optical heart
rate sensor, an activator of the heart rate sensor, a heart rate
sensor surface area through which the heart rate sensor can collect
heart rate data from a user, a feedback mechanism, at least one
processor, and a memory. The heart rate sensor, the activator, the
feedback mechanism, the at least one processor, and the memory are
communicatively connected. The memory stores computer-executable
instructions for controlling the at least one processor to cause
the heart rate sensor to start collecting heart rate data through
the heart rate sensor surface area in response to the activator
receiving an activation signal caused by a single user-gesture, and
provide user feedback, through the feedback mechanism, with
reference to the collected heart rate data without requiring
further user-gesture in addition to the single user-gesture. In
some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device does not have
local memory. Instead, it uses a remote memory to store operation
instructions.
[0096] In some embodiments, the single user-gesture consists of a
user moving or interacting with the apparatus in a defined motion
pattern. The activator comprises at least one sensor selected from
the group consisting of: single-axis or multi-axis gyroscopes, and
single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers. The device causes the
heart rate sensor to start collecting heart rate data in response
to a detection of the defined motion pattern using data obtained by
the activator. In some embodiments, moving or interacting with the
apparatus in a defined motion pattern is selected from one or more
of the following: twisting the wrist wearing the apparatus, shaking
the apparatus, bringing a wrist wearing the device from a resting
position to a watch viewing position, moving the apparatus in a
"figure 8" motion, and any combinations thereof.
[0097] In some embodiments, a user interface is communicatively
connected to other components of the biometric monitoring device.
In some embodiments, the user interface is included in the device
itself. In other embodiments, the user interface is included in a
linked smartphone, tablet, or computer. In some embodiments, the
user interface comprises one or more of the following: a heart rate
sensor surface area, an activator surface area, a touch screen, a
display, an LED, a button, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a finger
print reader, a vibration motor, a proximity sensor, and a
speaker.
[0098] In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor only collects
data when the single user-gesture is occurring and from a body part
of the user used to provide the single user-gesture. In some
embodiments, the heart rate sensor automatically stops collecting
heart rate data after a predefined time period and remains in a
state that does not collect heart rate data until a new
user-gesture with the activator. In some embodiments, the apparatus
is configured to automatically authenticate the user based on the
collected heart rate data. For example, with
[0099] In some embodiments, the device include a heart rate sensor
surface area and an activator surface area that are arranged on a
substantially flat plane, thereby allowing a single body part of a
user to simultaneously interact with the activator and the heart
rate sensor. In some embodiments, the heart rate sensor surface
area and the activator surface area form one continuous surface
area.
[0100] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an optical heart
rate sensor for the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments,
the apparatus includes an optical heart rate sensor for infrared
light. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more of
the following: GPS, proximity sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer,
accelerometer, ambient light sensor, touch screen, temperature
sensor, galvanic skin response sensor, fingerprint reader,
electromyography sensor, altimeter, pressure transducer, and force
transducer, audio sensor, bioelectrical impedance sensor, blood
pressure sensor, moisture sensor, and blood glucose sensor.
Biometric Sensors
[0101] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
includes a heart rate sensor that detects electrical signal
generated by heart movement (e.g. electrode sensor) or an optical
signal resulting from blood flow (e.g., photoplethysmography sensor
or pulse oximetry sensor). In addition to heart rate data, the
biometric monitoring devices discussed herein may collect one or
more types of physiological and/or environmental data from sensors
embedded within the biometric monitoring devices, e.g., one or more
sensors selected from the group including accelerometers,
gyroscopes, altimeters, etc., and/or external devices, e.g., an
external blood pressure monitor, and may communicate or relay such
information to other devices, including devices capable of serving
as an Internet-accessible data sources, thus permitting the
collected data to be viewed, for example, using a web browser or
network-based application. For example, while the user is wearing a
biometric monitoring device, the device may calculate and store the
user's step count using one or more sensors. The device may then
transmit the data representative of the user's step count to an
account on a web service, e.g., fitbit dot com, a computer, a
mobile phone, or a health station where the data may be stored,
processed, and visualized by the user. Indeed, the device may
measure or calculate a plurality of other physiological metrics in
addition to, or in place of, the user's heart rate.
[0102] The measured physiological metrics may include, but are not
limited to, energy expenditure, e.g., calorie burn, floors climbed
and/or descended, heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate
recovery, location and/or heading, e.g., via GPS, elevation,
ambulatory speed and/or distance traveled, swimming lap count,
bicycle distance and/or speed, blood pressure, blood glucose, skin
conduction, skin and/or body temperature, electromyography data,
electroencephalography data, weight, body fat, caloric intake,
nutritional intake from food, medication intake, sleep periods,
sleep phases, sleep quality and/or duration, pH levels, hydration
levels, and respiration rate. The device may also measure or
calculate metrics related to the environment around the user such
as barometric pressure, weather conditions, e.g., temperature,
humidity, pollen count, air quality, rain/snow conditions, wind
speed, light exposure, e.g., ambient light, UV light exposure, time
and/or duration spent in darkness, noise exposure, radiation
exposure, and magnetic field. Furthermore, the biometric monitoring
device, or an external system receiving data from the biometric
monitoring device, may calculate metrics derived from the data
collected by the biometric monitoring device. For instance, the
device may derive one or more of the following from heart rate
data: average heart rate, minimum heart rate, maximum heart rate,
heart rate variability, heart rate relative to target heart rate
zone, heart rate relative to resting heart rate, change in heart
rate, decrease in heart rate, increase in heart rate, training
advice with reference to heart rate, and a medical condition with
reference to heart rate. Some of the derived information is based
on both the heart rate information and other information provided
by the user (e.g., age and gender) or by other sensors (elevation
and skin conductance).
[0103] The biometric sensors may include one or more sensors that
evaluate a physiological aspect of a wearer of the device, e.g.,
heart rate sensors, galvanized skin response sensors, skin
temperature sensors, electromyography sensors, etc. The biometric
sensors may also or alternatively include sensors that measure
physical environmental characteristics that reflect how the wearer
of the device is interacting with the surrounding environment,
e.g., accelerometers, altimeters, GPS devices, gyroscopes, etc. All
of these are biometric sensors that may all be used to gain insight
into the activities of the wearer, e.g., by tracking movement,
acceleration, rotations, orientation, altitude, etc.
[0104] A list of potential biometric sensor types and/or biometric
data types is shown below in Table 1, including heart rate sensors.
This listing is not exclusive, and other types of biometric sensors
other than those listed may be used. Moreover, the data that is
potentially derivable from the listed biometric sensors may also be
derived, either in whole or in part, from other biometric sensors.
For example, an evaluation of stairs climbed may involve evaluating
altimeter data to determine altitude change, clock data to
determine how quickly the altitude changed, and accelerometer data
to determine whether biometric monitoring device is being worn by a
person who is walking (as opposed to standing still).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Biometric Sensors and Data (physiological
and/or environmental) Biometric Sensor Biometric data potentially
Type measured Potentially derivable biometric data Accelerometers
Accelerations experienced at Rotation, translation, velocity/speed,
location worn distance traveled, steps taken, elevation gained,
fall indications, calories burned (in combination with data such as
user weight, stride, etc.) Gyroscopes Angular orientation, angular
Rotation, orientation velocity, angular acceleration and/or
rotation Altimeters Barometric pressure, temperature Altitude
change, flights of stairs (to calculate a more accurate climbed,
local pressure changes, altitude) submersion in liquid Pulse
Oximeters Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), Heart rate variability,
stress levels, heart rate, blood volume active heart rate, resting
heart rate, sleeping heart rate, sedentary heart rate, cardiac
arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, pulse transit time, heart rate recovery
time, blood volume Galvanic Skin Electrical conductance of skin
Perspiration, stress levels, Response Sensors exertion/arousal
levels Global Positioning Location, elevation, speed, Distance
traveled, velocity/speed System (GPS)* heading Electromyographic
Electrical pulses Muscle tension/extension Sensors Audio Sensors
Local environmental sound levels Laugh detection, breathing
detection, snoring detection, respiration type (snoring, breathing,
labored breathing, gasping), voice detection, typing detection
Photo/Light Ambient light intensity, ambient Day/night, sleep, UV
exposure, TV Sensors light wavelength watching, indoor v. outdoor
environment Temperature Temperature Body temperature, ambient
Sensors environment temperature Strain Gauge Weight (the strain
gauges may be Body Mass Index (BMI) (in Sensors located in a device
remote from conjunction with user-supplied the biometric monitoring
device, height and gender information, for e.g., a Fitbit ARIA .TM.
scale, and example) communicate weight-related data to the
biometric monitoring device, either directly or via a shared
account over the Internet) Bioelectrical Body fat percentage (may
be Impedance included in remote device, such as Sensors ARIA .TM.
scale) Respiration Rate Respiration rate Sleep apnea detection
Sensors Blood Pressure Systolic blood pressure, diastolic Sensors
blood pressure Heart Rate Sensors Heart rate Blood Glucose Blood
glucose levels Sensors Moisture Sensors Moisture levels Whether
user is swimming, showering, bathing, etc.
[0105] In addition to the above, some biometric data may be
calculated by the biometric monitoring device without direct
reference data obtained from the biometric sensors. For example, a
person's basal metabolic rate, which is a measure of the "default"
caloric expenditure that a person experiences throughout the day
while at rest (in other words, simply to provide energy for basic
bodily functions such as breathing, circulating blood, etc.), may
be calculated based on data entered by the user and then used, in
conjunction with data from an internal clock indicating the time of
day, to determine how many calories have been expended by a person
thus far in the day just to provide energy for basic bodily
functions.
[0106] Physiological Sensors
[0107] As mentioned above, some biometric sensors can collect
physiological data, others can collect environmental data, and some
may collect both types of data. An optical sensor is an example of
a sensor that may collect both types of data. Many of the following
sensors and data overlap with the biometric sensors and data
presented above. They are organized and presented below to indicate
the physiological and environmental sources of information.
[0108] The biometric monitoring device of the present disclosure
including a heart rate sensor may use one, some or all of the
following sensors to acquire physiological data, including the
physiological data outlined in Table 2 below. All combinations and
permutations of physiological sensors and/or physiological data are
intended to fall within the scope of the present inventions. The
biometric monitoring device of the present inventions may include
but is not limited to one, some or all of sensors specified below
to acquire the corresponding physiological data; indeed, other
type(s) of sensors may be employed to acquire the corresponding
physiological data, which are intended to fall within the scope of
the present inventions. Additionally, the device may derive the
physiological data from the corresponding sensor output data, but
is not limited to the number or types of physiological data that it
could derive from said sensor.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Physiological Sensors and Data Physiological
Sensors Physiological data acquired Optical Reflectometer Heart
Rate, Heart Rate Variability Potential embodiments: SpO2
(Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen) Light emitter and receiver
Respiration Multi or single LED and photo diode Stress arrangement
Blood pressure Wavelength tuned for specific physiological Arterial
Stiffness signals Blood glucose levels Synchronous
detection/amplitude Blood volume modulation Heart rate recovery
Cardiac health Motion Detector Activity level detection Potential
embodiments: Sitting/standing detection Inertial, Gyro or
Accelerometer Fall detection GPS Skin Temp Stress EMG Muscle
tension EKG Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Heart Rate
Potential Embodiments: Recovery 1 lead Stress 2 lead Cardiac health
Magnetometer Activity level based on rotation Laser Doppler Blood
flow Power Meter Ultra Sound Blood flow Audio Heart Rate, Heart
Rate Variability, Heart Rate Recovery Laugh detection Respiration
Respiration type - snoring, breathing, breathing problems User's
voice Strain gauge Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability Potential
embodiment: Stress In a wrist band Wet or Humidity sensor Stress
Potential embodiment: Swimming detection galvanic skin response
Shower detection
[0109] In one exemplary embodiment, the biometric monitoring device
includes an optical sensor to detect, sense, sample, and/or
generate data that may be used to determine information
representative of heart rate. In addition, the optical sensor may
optionally provide data for determining stress (or level thereof)
and/or blood pressure of a user. In one embodiment, the biometric
monitoring device includes an optical sensor having one or more
light sources (LED, laser, etc.) to emit or output light into the
user's body and/or light detectors (photodiodes, phototransistors,
etc.) to sample, measure and/or detect a response or reflection and
provide data used to determine data which is representative of
heart rate (e.g., using photoplethysmography (PPG)), stress (or
level thereof), and/or blood pressure of a user.
[0110] In one exemplary embodiment, a user's heart rate measurement
may be triggered by activation criteria determined by one or more
sensors (or processing circuitry connected to them). In this
embodiment, the one or more sensors function as an activator for
the heart rate sensor (i.e., the optical sensor). The criteria are
based on information collected by the activator. In some
embodiments in which the heart rate sensor gathers on-demand and
momentary heart rate data, the activation criteria reflect a single
defined user-gesture, such as moving the device in a defined motion
trajectory or touching an activator surface area. In contrast, in
some embodiments in which the heart rate sensor automatically
gathers heart rate data without requiring a defined user gesture,
when data from the motion sensor(s) indicates a period of stillness
or little motion, the biometric monitoring device may trigger,
acquire and/or obtain a heart rate measurement or data. In one
embodiment, when the motion sensor(s) indicate user activity or
motion (for example, motion that is not suitable or optimum to
trigger, acquire and/or obtain desired heart rate measurement or
data (for example, data used to determine a user's resting heart
rate)), the biometric monitoring device and/or the sensor(s)
employed to acquire and/or obtain desired heart rate measurement or
data may be placed or remain in a low power state. (Note that
measurements taken during motion may be less reliable and may be
corrupted by motion artifacts.)
[0111] Environmental Sensors
[0112] The biometric monitoring device of the present inventions
may use one, some or all of the following environmental sensors to,
for example, acquire the environmental data, including
environmental data outlined in Table 3 below. The biometric
monitoring device is not limited to the number or types of sensors
specified below but may employ other sensors that acquire
environmental data outlined in the table below. All combinations
and permutations of environmental sensors and/or environmental data
are intended to fall within the scope of the present inventions.
Additionally, the device may derive environmental data from the
corresponding sensor output data, but is not limited to the types
of environmental data that it could derive from said sensor.
[0113] The biometric monitoring device of the present inventions
may use one or more, or all of the environmental sensors described
herein and one or more, or all of the physiological sensors
described herein. Indeed, biometric monitoring device of the
present inventions may acquire any or all of the environmental data
and physiological data described herein using any sensor now known
or later developed--all of which are intended to fall within the
scope of the present inventions.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Environmental Sensors and Data Environmental
Sensors Environmental data acquired Motion Detector Location
Potential Embodiments: Course Inertial, Gyro or Accelerometer
Heading GPS Pressure/Altimeter sensor Elevation, elevation Ambient
Temp Temperature Light Sensor Indoor vs outdoor Watching TV
(spectrum/flicker rate detection) Optical data transfer-
initiation, QR codes, etc. ultraviolet light exposure Audio Indoor
vs. Outdoor Compass Heading Potential Embodiments: 3 Axis
Compass
[0114] In one embodiment, the biometric monitoring device may
include an altimeter sensor, for example, disposed or located in
the interior of the device housing. In such a case, the device
housing may have a vent that allows the interior of the device to
measure, detect, sample and/or experience any changes in exterior
pressure. In one embodiment, the vent prevents water from entering
the device while facilitating measuring, detecting and/or sampling
changes in pressure via the altimeter sensor. For example, an
exterior surface of the biometric monitoring device may include a
vent type configuration or architecture (for example, a GORE.TM.
vent) which allows ambient air to move in and out of the housing of
the device (which allows the altimeter sensor to measure, detect
and/or sample changes in pressure), but reduces, prevents and/or
minimizes water and other liquids flow into the housing of the
device.
[0115] The altimeter sensor, in one embodiment, may be filled with
gel that allows the sensor to experience pressure changes outside
of the gel. The use of a gel filled altimeter may give the device a
higher level of environmental protection with or without the use of
an environmentally sealed vent. The device may have a higher
survivability rate with a gel filled altimeter in locations
including but not limited to those that have high humidity, a
clothes washer, a dish washer, a clothes dryer, a steam room, the
shower, a pool, and any location where the device may be exposed to
moisture, exposed to liquid or submerged in liquid.
[0116] Optical Sensors
[0117] As mentioned above, optical sensors may be used to collect
both physiological (e.g., heart rate) and environmental (e.g.,
ambient light) data. This subsection discloses details of various
embodiments of biometric monitoring devices having one or more
optical sensors. In one embodiment, the optical sensors (sources
and/or detectors) may be disposed on an interior or skin side of
the biometric monitoring device (i.e., a side whereby the surface
of the device contacts, touches and/or faces the skin of the user
(hereinafter "skin side"). (See, for example, FIGS. 6-8). In
another embodiment, the optical sensors may be disposed on one or
more sides of the device, including the skin side and one or more
sides of the device that face or are exposed to the ambient
environment (environmental side). (See, for example, FIGS. 3, 4,
and 6). Notably, the data from such optical sensors may be
representative of physiological data and/or environmental data.
Indeed, in one embodiment, the optical sensors provide, acquire
and/or detect information from multiple sides of the biometric
monitoring device whether or not the sensors are disposed on one or
more of the multiple sides. For example, the optical sensors may
obtain data related to the ambient light conditions of the
environment.
[0118] Where optical sensors are disposed or arranged on the skin
side of the biometric monitoring device, in operation, a light
source emits light upon the skin of the user and, in response, a
light detector samples, acquires and/or detects a response or
reflected light from the skin (and from inside the body). The one
or more sources and detectors may be arranged in an array or
pattern that enhances or optimizes the SNR and/or reduces or
minimizes power consumption by light sources and detectors. These
optical detectors sample, acquire and/or detect physiological data
which may then be processed or analyzed (for example, by resident
processing circuitry) to obtain data which is representative of,
for example, a user's heart rate, respiration, heart rate
variability, oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood volume, blood glucose,
skin moisture and skin pigmentation level.
[0119] The source(s) may emit light having one or more wavelengths
which are specific or directed to a type of physiological data to
be collected. The optical detectors may sample, measure and/or
detect one or more wavelengths that are also specific or directed
to a type of physiological data to be collected and physiological
parameter (of the user) to be assessed or determined. For instance,
in one embodiment, a light source emitting light having a
wavelength in the green spectrum (for example, an LED that emits
light having wavelengths corresponding to the green spectrum) and
photodiode positioned to sample, measure and/or detect a response
or reflection may provide data used to determine or detect heart
rate. In contrast, a light source emitting light having a
wavelength in the red spectrum (for example, an LED that emits
light having wavelengths corresponding to the red spectrum) and a
light source emitting light having a wavelength in the infrared
spectrum (for example, an LED that emits light having wavelengths
corresponding to the IR spectrum) and photodiode positioned to
sample, measure and/or detect a response or reflection may provide
data used to determine or detect SpO2.
[0120] Indeed, in one embodiment, the color or wavelength of the
light emitted by the LED (or set of LEDs) may be modified, adjusted
and/or controlled in accordance with a predetermined type of
physiological data being acquired or conditions of operation. Here,
the wavelength of the light emitted by the LED is adjusted and/or
controlled to optimize and/or enhance the "quality" of the
physiological data obtained and/or sampled by the detector. For
example, the color of the light emitted by the LED may be switched
from infrared to green when the user's skin temperature or the
ambient temperature is cool in order to enhance the signal
corresponding to cardiac activity.
[0121] The biometric monitoring device, in one embodiment, may
include a window (for example, a visually opaque window) in the
housing to facilitate optical transmission between the optical
sensors and the user. Here, the window may permit light (for
example, of a selected wavelength) to be emitted by, for example,
one or more LEDs, onto the skin of the user and a response or
reflection to pass into the housing to be sampled, measured and/or
detected by, for example, one or more photodiodes. In one
embodiment, the circuitry related to emitting and receiving light
may be disposed in the interior of the device housing and
underneath a plastic or glass layer (for example, painted with
infrared ink) or an infrared lens which permits infrared light to
pass but not light in the human visual spectrum. In this way, the
light transmission is invisible to the human eye.
[0122] The biometric monitoring device may employ light pipes or
other light transmissive structures. See FIG. 12. FIG. 12
illustrates an optimized PPG detector that has a protrusion with
curved sides in a watch-like housing 1208 so as not to discomfort
the user wearing the device. Additionally, the surface of light
pipes 1206 which permit the photodetector 1204 and LEDs 1202 to
receive light from or transmit light to the user's skin are
contoured to maximize light flux coupling between the LED's and
photodetectors to the light pipes. The ends of the light pipes 1206
which face the user's skin are also contoured. This contour may
provide focusing or defocusing to optimize the PPG signal. For
example, the contour may focus light to a certain depth and
location which coincides with an area where blood flow is likely to
occur. Also note that the vertex of these foci overlap or are very
close together so that the photodetector receives the maximum
possible amount of scattered light from the tissue and artery,
which provides volumetric variation indicative of heart rate and
other blood related information.
[0123] In one embodiment, light is directed from the light source
to the skin of the user through light pipes or other
light-transmissive structures. Scattered light from the user's body
may be directed back to the optical circuitry through the same or
similar structures. Indeed, the transmissive structures may employ
a material and/or optical design to facilitate low light loss (for
example, a lens and or the use of reflective materials) thereby
improving SNR of the photo detector and/or reduce power consumption
of the light source(s) (light emitters and/or light detectors). In
one embodiment, the light pipes or other light transmissive
structures may include a material that selectively transmits light
having one or more specific or predetermined wavelengths with
higher efficiency than others, thereby acting as a bandpass filter.
This bandpass filter may be tuned to improve the signal of a
specific physiological data type. For example, in one embodiment,
an In-Mold-Labeling or "IML" light transmissive structure may be
implemented wherein the structure uses a material with
predetermined or desired optical characteristics to create a
specific bandpass characteristic, for example, to pass infrared
light with greater efficiency than light of other wavelengths (for
example, light having a wavelength in human visible spectrum). In
another embodiment, a biometric monitoring device may employ light
transmissive structure having an optically opaque portion
(including certain optical properties) and an optically transparent
portion (including optical properties different from the optically
opaque portion). Such a structure may be provided via a double-shot
or two step molding process wherein optically opaque material is
injected and optically transparent material is injected. A
biometric monitoring device implementing such a light transmissive
structure may include different transmissive property for different
wavelengths depending on the direction of light travel through the
structure. For example, in one embodiment, the optically opaque
material may include a property of being reflective to a specific
wavelength range so as to more efficiently transport light from the
light emitter(s) and from the user's body back to the skin detector
(which may be of a different wavelength(s) relative to the
wavelength(s) of the emitted light).
[0124] In another embodiment, reflective structures may be placed
in the field of view of the light emitter(s) and/or light
detector(s). For example, the sides of a hole which connects a
light emitter(s) and/or light detector(s) may be covered in a
reflective material (e.g. chromed). The reflective material may
increase the efficiency with which the light is transported to the
skin and back into the detector(s). The reflectively coasted hole
may be filled in with an optical epoxy or other transparent
material to prevent liquid from entering the device body.
[0125] In another embodiment which implements light transmissive
structures (for example, structures created or formed through IML),
such structures may include a mask consisting of an opaque material
which limits the aperture of one, some or all of the light
source(s) and/or detector(s). In this way, the light transmissive
structures selectively "define" a preferential volume of the body
that light is emitted into and/or detected from. Notably, other
mask configurations may be employed or implemented in connection
with the inventions described and/or illustrated herein; all such
mask configurations to, for example, improve the
photoplethysmography signal, and which are implemented in
connection with the inventions described and/or illustrated herein,
are intended to fall within the scope of the present
inventions.
[0126] In another embodiment, the light emitter(s) and detector(s)
may be able to transmit light through a hole or series of holes in
the device exterior. This hole or series of holes may be filled in
with light transmissive epoxy (e.g. optical epoxy). The epoxy would
therefore form a light pipe which allows light to be transmitted
from the light emitter(s) to the skin and from the skin into the
light detector(s). This technique would also have the advantage
that the epoxy would form a watertight seal, preventing water,
sweat or other liquid from entering the device body though the
hole(s) on the device exterior which allow the light emitter(s) and
detector(s) to transmit and receive light from the device body
exterior. An epoxy with a high thermal conductivity may be used to
prevent light emitters (e.g. LED's) from overheating.
[0127] In any of the light transmissive structures described
herein, the surface of the optics or device body may include a hard
coat paint, hard coat dip, or optical coatings (such as
anti-reflection), scratch resistance, anti-fog, and/or wavelength
band block (such as ultraviolet light blocking). Such
characteristics or materials may improve the operation, accuracy
and/or longevity of the biometric monitoring device.
[0128] In one embodiment, the biometric monitoring device includes
a concave or convex shape, on the skin side of the device, to focus
light towards a specific volume at a specific depth in the skin and
increase the efficiency of light collected from that point into the
photodetector. (See, for example, FIG. 12). Where such a biometric
monitoring device also employs light pipes to selectively and
controllably route light, it may be advantageous to shape the end
of the light pipe with a degree of cylindricity (for example,
rather than radially symmetric). Such a configuration may improve
the SNR by increasing the efficiency of light transferred from the
emitter onto or into the skin of the user while decreasing "stray"
light from being detected or collected by the photodetector. In
this way, the signal sampled, measured and/or detected by the
photodetector consists less of stray light and more of the user's
response to such emitted light (signal or data that is
representative of the response to the emitted light).
[0129] In another embodiment, light transmissive epoxy may be
molded into a concave or convex shape so as to provide beneficial
optical properties to sensors as well. For example, during the
application of light transmissive epoxy, the top of the
photodetector may be shaped into a concave so light passed the
optical structure would be more intense.
[0130] In addition thereto, or in lieu thereof, a portion of the
skin side of the biometric monitoring device may include a friction
enhancing mechanism or material. For example, the skin side of the
biometric monitoring device may include a plurality of raised or
depressed regions portions (for example, small bumps, ridges,
grooves, and/or divots). Moreover, a friction enhancing material
(for example, a gel-like material such as silicone) may be disposed
on the skin side. Indeed, a device back made out of gel may also
provide friction while also improving user comfort and preventing
stray light from entering. As noted above, a friction enhancing
mechanism or material may be used alone or in conjunction with the
biometric monitoring device having a protrusion as described
herein. In this regard, the biometric monitoring device may include
a plurality of raised or depressed regions portions (for example,
small bumps, ridges, grooves, and/or divots) in or on the
protrusion portion of the device. Indeed, such raised or depressed
regions portions may be incorporated/embedded in or on a window
portion of the protrusion. In addition thereto, or in lieu thereof,
the protrusion portion may consist of or be coated with a friction
enhancing material (for example, a gel-like material such as
silicone). Notably, the use of a protrusion and/or friction may
improve measurement accuracy of data acquisition corresponding to
certain parameters (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability,
galvanic skin response, skin temperature, skin coloration, heat
flux, blood pressure, blood glucose, etc.) by reducing motions of
the sensor relative to the user's skin during operation, especially
whilst the user is in motion.
[0131] FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary schematic block diagram of an
optical sensor where light is emitted from a light source toward
the user's skin and the reflection is sensed by a light detector,
which is subsequently digitized by an analog to digital converter
(ADC). The digitized light sensor signal is processed by a
processor of the device. The intensity of the light source may be
modified (e.g., through a light source intensity control module) to
maintain a desirable reflected intensity signal. For example, the
light source intensity may be reduced to avoid saturation of the
output signal from the light detector. As another example, the
light source intensity may be increased to maintain the output
signal from the light detector within a desired range of output
values. Notably, the active control of the system may be achieved
through linear or nonlinear control methods such as
proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, fixed step control,
predictive control, neural networks, hysteresis, and the like, and
may also employ additional information derived from other sensors
in the device such as motion, galvanic skin response, etc. The
sensor information is first processed by the processor, and then
may be provided to a digital to analog converter (DAC) and/or
general purpose input/output circuits (GPIOs). The processed
additional information may affect a Light Source Intensity control,
and/or an on/off control of the light source. FIG. 13 is provided
for illustration and does not limit the implementation of such a
system to, for instance, an ADC integrated within a MCU
(Microcontroller Unit), or the use of a MCU for that matter. Other
possible implementations include the use of one or more internal or
external ADCs, FPGAs, ASICs, etc.
[0132] In another embodiment, the system may incorporate the use of
a sample and hold circuit (or equivalent) to maintain the output of
the light detector while the light source is turned off or
attenuated to save power. See, for example, FIG. 14. In embodiments
of the present disclosure where relative changes in the light
detector output are of primary importance (e.g., heart rate
measurement), the sample and hold circuit may not have to maintain
an accurate copy of the output of the light detector. In such
cases, the sample and hold may be reduced to, for example, a diode
(e.g., Schottky diode) and capacitor. The output of the sample and
hold may be presented to an analog signal conditioning circuit
(e.g., a Sallen-Key bandpass filter, level shifter, and/or gain
circuit) to condition and amplify the signal within frequency bands
of interest (e.g., 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz for cardiac or respiratory
function) which is then digitized by the ADC. In another embodiment
shown in FIG. 15, the system includes two light sources and two
light detectors, but does not include the sample and hold circuit.
Similar embodiments can be implemented for a system with two or
more photo sensors.
[0133] The data from sensors, which may primarily be used to obtain
biometric data, may be stored in raw format by the biometric
monitoring device or may be pre-processed prior to storage by the
biometric monitoring device. For example, the biometric monitoring
device may store or buffer the most recent 10 minutes of data in
raw form but may then store data from prior to the ten-minute
window as filtered data, e.g., with a lower sampling rate and/or
with some form of numerical analysis, such as a moving average,
performed, or as converted data, e.g., acceleration data may be
converted to "steps taken," "stairs climbed," and/or "distance
traveled." Data from the biometric sensors, e.g., raw data or
post-processed data, may be further analyzed to determine if the
biometric data is indicative of a pre-defined biometric state or
condition that is associated with a user input. If such analysis
indicates that such biometric data has been collected, the
biometric monitoring device may then treat such an event as
equivalent to a user input.
Other Components or Features
[0134] User Interface with the Device
[0135] The biometric monitoring device may include one or more
mechanisms for interacting with the device either locally or
remotely. In one embodiment, the biometric monitoring device may
convey data visually through a digital display. The physical
embodiment of this display may use any one or a plurality of
display technologies including, but not limited to one or more of
LED, LCD, AMOLED, E-Ink, Sharp display technology, graphical
display, and other display technologies such as TN, HTN, STN, FSTN,
TFT, IPS, and OLET. This display could show data acquired or stored
locally on the device or could display data acquired remotely from
other devices or Internet services. The device may use a sensor
(for example, an Ambient Light Sensor, "ALS") to control or adjust
screen backlighting. For example, in dark lighting situations, the
display may be dimmed to conserve battery life, whereas in bright
lighting situations, the display may increase its brightness so
that it is more easily read by the user.
[0136] In another embodiment, the device may use single or
multicolor LEDs to indicate a state of the device. States that the
device indicate may include but are not limited to biometric states
such as heart rate or application states such as an incoming
message, a goal has been reached. These states may be indicated
through the LED's color, being on, off, an intermediate intensity,
pulsing (and/or rate thereof), and/or a pattern of light
intensities from completely off to highest brightness. In one
embodiment, an LED may modulate its intensity and/or color with the
phase and frequency of the user's heart rate.
[0137] In one embodiment, the use of an E-Ink display would allow
the display to remain on without the battery drain of a
non-reflective display. This "always-on" functionality may provide
a pleasant user experience in the case of, for example, a watch
application where the user may simply glance at the device to see
the time. The E-Ink display always displays content without
comprising the battery life of the device, allowing the user to see
the time as they would on a traditional watch.
[0138] The device may use a light such as an LED to display the
heart rate of the user by modulating the amplitude of the light
emitted at the frequency of the user's heart rate. The device may
depict heart rate zones (e.g., aerobic, anaerobic) through the
color of an LED (e.g., green, red) or a sequence of LEDs that light
up in accordance with changes in heart rate (e.g., a progress bar).
The device may be integrated or incorporated into another device or
structure, for example, glasses or goggles, or communicate with
glasses or goggles to display this information to the user.
[0139] The biometric monitoring device may also convey information
to a user through the physical motion of the device. One such
embodiment of a method to physically move the device is the use of
a vibration inducing motor. The device may use this method alone,
or in combination with a plurality of motion inducing
technologies.
[0140] The device may convey information to a user through audio. A
speaker could convey information through the use of audio tones,
voice, songs, or other sounds.
[0141] These three information communication methods--visual,
motion, and auditory--may be used alone or in any combination with
each other or another method of communication to communicate any
one or plurality of the following information: [0142] The device
has started, ended, or failed a measurement of heart rate [0143]
The user's heart rate has reached a certain level [0144] The user
has a normal, active, or resting heart rate of a specific value or
in a specific range [0145] The user's heart rate has enter or
exited a certain goal range or training zone [0146] The user has a
new heart rate "zone" goal to reach, as in the case of heart rate
zone training for running, bicycling, swimming, etc. activities
[0147] User Interface with a Secondary Device
[0148] In another embodiment the biometric monitoring device may
transmit and receive data and/or commands to and/or from a
secondary electronic device. The secondary electronic device may be
in direct or indirect communication with the biometric monitoring
device. Direct communication refers herein to the transmission of
data between a first device and a secondary device without any
intermediary devices. For example, two devices may communicate to
one another over a wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth) or a wired
connection (e.g. USB). Indirect communication refers to the
transmission of data between a first device and a secondary device
with the aid of one or multiple intermediary third devices which
relay the data. Third devices may include but are not limited to a
wireless repeater (e.g. WiFi repeater), a computing device such as
a smartphone, laptop, desktop or tablet computer, a cell phone
tower, a computer server, and other networking electronics. For
example, a biometric device may send data to a smartphone which
forwards the data through a cellular network data connection to a
server which is connected through the internet to the cellular
network.
[0149] In one embodiment, the secondary device which acts as a user
interface to the biometric monitoring device may consist of a
smartphone. An app on the smart phone may facilitate and/or enable
the smartphone to act as a user interface to the biometric
monitoring device. The biometric monitoring device may send
biometric and other data to the smartphone in real-time or with
some delay. The smart phone may send a command or commands to the
biometric device for example to instruct it to send biometric and
other data in real-time or with some delay.
[0150] The smartphone may have one or multiple apps to enable the
user to view data from their biometric device or devices. The app
may by default open to a "dashboard" page when the user launches or
opens the app. On this page, summaries of data totals such as heart
rate, the total number of steps, floors climbed miles traveled,
calories burned, calories consumed and water consumed may be shown.
Other pertinent information such as when the last time the app
received data from the biometric monitoring device, metrics
regarding the previous night's sleep (e.g. when the user went to
sleep, woke up, and how long they slept for), and how many calories
the user can eat in the day to maintain their caloric goals (e.g. a
calorie deficit goal to enable weight loss) may also be shown. The
user may be able to choose which of these and other metrics are
shown on the dashboard screen. The user may be able to see these
and other metrics on the dashboard for previous days. They may be
able to access previous days by pressing a button or icon on a
touchscreen. Alternatively, gestures such as swiping to the left or
right may enable the user to navigate through current and previous
metrics.
[0151] User Gesture and Interaction
[0152] As discussed above, one or more of the biometric sensors
discussed herein may be used to detect a physical gesture
corresponding to a user input. This allows a user to interact with
the device using physical gestures. For example, a wrist-based
portable biometric device may contain an accelerometer,
magnetometer (which may be used to detect the biometric monitoring
device's orientation with respect to the Earth's magnetic field),
and/or a gyroscope. One or more of these sensors may be used to
determine when the user moves their wrist in a manner that is
similar to that performed when viewing a watch. The portable
biometric device may interpret this gesture as a user input or
interaction. The biometric monitoring device may be configured to
display the time on a display of the biometric monitoring device in
response to the detection of such a gesture. Other gestures that
may be used to cause the portable biometric monitoring device to
display a specific data display page such as heart rate, but are
not limited to, shaking the device, moving the device in a defined
trajectory (e.g., a "figure 8" trajectory), multiple taps, or a
specific pattern of taps. For example, a user may tap anywhere on
the exterior of the portable biometric monitoring device two times
within a specific time period, e.g., one second, to cause the
display to show a data display page showing heart rate
information.
[0153] In another embodiment, a wrist-based portable biometric
device may have one or more electromyographic (EMG) sensors in
device. These EMG sensors may detect when the user flexes the
muscles in their forearm/wrist by forming a fist, for example. This
gesture may be interpreted by the portable biometric device as a
user input that causes the display to show heart rate or that
triggers heart rate detection (the EMG may act as an activator for
triggering heart rate detection), for example. While some physical
gestures are provided here to illustrate gesture based
interactions, these examples should not be considered
exhaustive.
[0154] In some implementations, the portable biometric monitoring
device may include mechanisms or capabilities for responding to
more than one type of user interaction. User interactions may
include, but are not limited to, those already disclosed herein,
e.g., pressing a button, performing a gesture such as moving your
hand in a manner similar to viewing a watch, tapping one or
multiple times in a specific pattern, and performing a specific
gesture on a touchscreen. Different kinds of user interactions may
correspond to different functions. For example, a button press user
interaction may cause a data display page showing a first metric
related to an activity or physiological signal, e.g., ambulatory
motion or cardiac signal may have the metrics step counts and heart
rate respectively). An additional user input of a different input
method (e.g. by tapping the device one or more times) may trigger
display of a second metric related to the same activity or
physiological signal. In another implementation, additional user
input of a different input method may trigger presentation of a
submenu or information unrelated to the previous screen shown.
[0155] A user may interact with a biometric monitoring device in
one or more ways. A typical user input, for example, may include
pressing a button. However, as discussed earlier in this
disclosure, a user may provide input to biometric monitoring
devices through other means. For example, a user may touch a
virtual button on a touch screen, touch a capacitive sensor,
perform a gesture on a touch screen, or perform a physical gesture,
e.g., such as by moving their hand or arm in a specific way.
Measurements from one or more sensors selected from the group
including, but not limited to, accelerometers, galvanic skin
response sensors, thermometers, pressure transducers, altimeters,
gyroscopes, photoplethysmograph sensors, electromyographic (EMG)
sensors, force transducers, strain gauges, and magnetometers may be
used to detect user input.
[0156] In some implementations, the portable biometric monitoring
device may include a motion sensor. The motion sensor may be
configured to detect gestures that the user makes with the part of
the body to which the biometric monitoring device is coupled. For
example, the biometric monitoring device may be coupled to the
user's wrist with a band. To activate the heart rate sensor, the
user may twist her wrist or move her hand in a "figure 8" motion
while wearing the biometric monitoring device. In another
embodiment, a gesture may be performed on the device with a body
part to which the device is not coupled. For example, the user may
tap an activator surface area or anywhere on the housing of a
biometric monitoring device worn on their forearm with a finger of
the opposite hand to activate the heart rate sensor and take a
heart rate measurement on the finger performing the tapping.
[0157] FIG. 16 depicts a person's arm, forearm, and hand with a
biometric monitoring device worn on the forearm. In FIG. 16, a
person's "arm" is shown. In everyday speech, the term "arm" is
typically used to refer to the entirety of the limb connected to a
person's shoulder. However, as used herein, the term "arm" refers
to the portion of that limb located between the shoulder joint and
the elbow joint of that limb. The term "forearm" refers to the
portion of that limb between the elbow joint and the wrist joint.
The forearm may encompass a portion of the limb that may often be
called the "wrist," e.g., the portion of the forearm on which a
person may wear a watch or bracelet. This disclosure uses the
conventions outlined in Joseph E. Muscolino's "Kinesiology: The
Skeletal System and Muscle Function," Second Edition (2011), when
discussing various body parts or other kinesiological concepts.
[0158] Since a person's arm and forearm are organic structures with
widely-varying appearances from person to person, it may be useful
to utilize a common reference framework when discussing such a limb
or when discussing items that may be worn on such a limb. For
example, despite the wide variation in shape and size of forearms
in the general population, every normal forearm will have a forearm
axis 1557 that is substantially aligned with the longest dimension
of the forearm. Another way of thinking of the forearm axis 1557 is
as the axis that passes through the nominal centers of rotation of
the wrist joint and the elbow joint. In addition to a forearm axis,
it may be useful to refer to an elbow axis 1559 and a wrist axis
1553. The elbow axis 1559 may generally define the pivot axis of
the forearm about the elbow joint during flexion and extension of
the forearm, and the wrist axis 1553 may generally define the pivot
axis of the hand about the wrist joint during flexion and extension
of the hand (in reality, some of these joints are capable of
complex, multi-axial rotation--the pivot axis, as used herein,
refers to the axis about which the greatest extent of rotational
motion is possible for a joint). An arm axis 1561 may be generally
aligned with the long dimension of the arm and may pass through the
center of rotation of the elbow joint and the center of rotation of
the shoulder joint (not pictured). A hand axis 1555 may pass
through the center of the wrist joint and generally in a direction
aligned with the middle finger of the hand when at full
extension.
[0159] As can be seen, the biometric monitoring device 1550 may be
located in or on a wristband that encircles the forearm near the
wrist (although some users may wear such bands at a loose enough
setting that the band may slide over the wrist joint area itself;
such bands are still considered to be configured to be worn around
the wearer's forearm, however). The wristband may generally define
a wristband plane 1551 that is substantially perpendicular to the
forearm axis 1557.
[0160] FIG. 17 depicts a flow diagram for a technique that may be
used to cause a biometric monitoring device to activate the heart
rate sensor responsive to data received from biometric sensors
indicating motion of defined patterns. Such motion patterns
include, but not limited to, twisting the wrist wearing the device,
shaking the hand wearing the device, bring a hand wearing the
device from a resting position to a watch viewing position, etc.
Other gestures may be used alternatively or as well.
[0161] The technique 1600 may begin in block 1602 with the receipt
of data by a processor or processors of a biometric monitoring
device from biometric sensors of the biometric monitoring device.
Such data may be analyzed in block 1604 to determine if the
biometric data indicates that the biometric monitoring device has
rotated about at least one axis. For example, if the biometric data
indicates that the biometric monitoring device has rotated about an
axis such as the forearm axis 1557, such an indication may be
interpreted as indicating that the wearer of the biometric
monitoring device has rotated their wrist (and thus caused the
portion of the forearm adjacent to the wrist and on which the
biometric monitoring device is worn to experience similar rotation
about the forearm axis). Such rotation may be detected using any of
a variety of different techniques. If a gyroscope sensor is
included in the biometric monitoring device, the data from such a
sensor may be used to determine rotational speed and orientation of
the biometric monitoring device. If accelerometers are included in
the biometric monitoring device, the accelerations measured by the
accelerometers may be used to calculate rotational speed and
rotational orientation. For example, the Earth's gravitational
field may provide a reference frame for the acceleration data that
allows rotational orientation or speed based on tri-axial
acceleration measurements to be calculated. Similarly, if a
magnetometer is included in the biometric monitoring device, the
Earth's magnetic field may be used as a reference frame to
determine the absolute orientation of the biometric monitoring
device relative to the Earth's surface.
[0162] In some implementations, the processor or processors of the
biometric monitoring device may be configured to identify
rotational movements that are more complex than simple rotation
about the forearm axis. For example, when a person moves their
forearm from a relaxed position, e.g., the anatomic position, to a
position with the forearm generally aligned with the transverse
plane and the frontal plane, such motion may involve compound
rotation about an axis parallel to the elbow axis 1559 and about an
axis parallel to the forearm axis 1557. In terms of an absolute
coordinate system, this may translate to triaxial rotations.
[0163] In block 1606, the processor or processors of the biometric
monitoring device may evaluate the biometric data to determine if
the biometric monitoring device has received biometric data
indicating that the biometric monitoring device has experienced
rotation about at least one axis.
[0164] In some implementations, the biometric data may be further
evaluated to determine if the rotational movement or orientation,
if such is detected, meets certain minimum requirements. For
example, the processor or processors may be further configured to
determine if detected rotational movement is at least at a rate of
90.degree./sec and through a substantially continuous rotation of
at least 45.degree. about the forearm axis. In other
implementations, the processor or processors may be further
configured to determine if the detected rotational movement is at
least one of the rotational rates in the group including at least
90.degree. per second, at least 60.degree. per second, at least
45.degree. per second, and at least 30.degree. per second. In such
implementations, the processor or processors may also be further
configured to determine if the detected angular
displacement/continuous rotation is at least one angular
displacement in the group including at least 90.degree., at least
60.degree., at least 45.degree., and at least 30.degree..
[0165] Such filtering may be used to eliminate spurious rotational
movement that is generally classifiable as being unrelated to the
motions typically experienced by a person's forearm when the person
looks at a wristwatch. For example, when a person walks, they may
swing their arms, which may cause the biometric sensors of a
biometric monitoring device worn on the person's forearm to
cyclically rotate about an axis parallel to the person's shoulder
axis. Such rotation, however, would not involve rotation about the
person's forearm, however, and may thus be screened out as an
indicator of a watch-viewing position.
[0166] The biometric sensors used to determine whether the
biometric monitoring device has experienced motion consistent with
movements a person may make to bring their forearm into a
watch-viewing position may be selected from a wide variety of
different sensor types, including single-axis or multi-axis
gyroscopes, single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers,
magnetometers, electromagnetic field sensors, laser rangefinder
sensors, Doppler radar sensors, and altimeter sensors. A pair of
spaced-apart tri-axial accelerometers may provide a particularly
cost-effective mechanism for measuring 3-dimensional movements of a
biometric monitoring device, and the data collected from such
sensors may be sufficient for determining whether the biometric
monitoring device has experienced motion consistent with movements
a person may make to bring their forearm into a watch-viewing
position.
[0167] In some implementations, the determination as to whether the
forearm on which the biometric monitoring device is worn has moved
into a watch-viewing position may be performed using only data from
accelerometers in the biometric monitoring device.
[0168] If the processor or processors determine in block 1606 that
the biometric monitoring device has not experienced rotation about
at least one axis, the technique may return to block 1602 and
further biometric data may be received and analyzed.
[0169] If the processor or processors determine in block 1606 that
the biometric monitoring device is in a watch-viewing position,
then the technique may proceed to block 1608. In block 1608, the
processor or processors may determine if the display of the
biometric monitoring device is on or otherwise already displaying
content. If not, then the processor or processors may cause the
display to turn on, e.g., by sending a power-on signal to the
display, in block 1610 before proceeding to block 1612. In block
1612, the processor or processors may cause a data display page
showing a clock to be shown on the display. In this manner, the
wearer of the biometric monitoring device need not perform any
other actions to cause the display of the biometric monitoring
device to show the time other than those that the wearer would
generally do when checking a watch that always shows the time. This
also allows the display of the biometric monitoring device to be
powered off most of the time and only powered on under certain
conditions, e.g., such as when the wearer "checks" their
watch/biometric monitoring device.
[0170] Feedback Mechanism
[0171] The biometric monitoring device may be configured to
communicate with the user through one or more feedback mechanisms,
or combinations thereof, such as vibratory feedback, audio output,
graphical output via a display or light-emitting devices, e.g.,
LEDs. For example, upon start, finish, or failure of the heart rate
sensor in gathering momentary heart rate data, the biometric
monitoring device may vibrate to notify the user about the
different data gathering status using distinct vibration patterns.
Additionally or alternatively, upon successful gathering of heart
rate data, the display may turn on and present heart rate related
data, e.g., averaged heart rate, heart rate target goal reached, if
the goal was previously reached one or more times on a different
day, week, month, or year, and/or how long it took to reach the
goal, etc.
[0172] In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device
provides feedback information to users in response to a single
user-gesture. The single user-gesture can be a push of a button, an
activator surface area, moving the device in a defined motion
pattern, etc. as described elsewhere in the disclosure.
[0173] In one implementation, the biometric monitoring device may
have a display that changes what is shown, e.g., advances from one
data display page to the next, after a user interaction occurs. In
some embodiments, regardless of the information being displayed,
the biometric monitoring device causes a heart rate sensor to start
collecting heart rate data through a heart rate sensor surface area
in response to an activator of the heart rate sensor receiving an
activation signal caused by a single user-gesture. The device also
presents the collected heart rate data or information derived
therefrom on the display without requiring further user-gesture in
addition to the single user-gesture. In some embodiments, the
activator receives an activation signal caused by a touch of a
button, a touch at a touch sensitive area, or a finger placed near
a proximity sensor.
[0174] In one implementation, a specific data type or set of data
types may be presented to the user with a data display page when
the display first turns on. Subsequent user inputs may cause the
display to advance through a succession of different data display
pages, each showing different types of information. In some
embodiments, if a user gesture is used to navigate between screens,
there is at least one user gesture that causes the device to take
an HR measurement, regardless of what screen the device is
displaying.
[0175] Power Saving Feature
[0176] As mentioned previously, biometric monitoring devices are
typically quite small due to practical considerations. People who
wish to monitor their performance are unlikely to want to wear a
large, bulky device that may interfere with their activities or
that may look unsightly. As a result, biometric monitoring devices
are often provided in small form factors to allow for light weight
and ease of carrying. As mentioned previously, such small form
factors often necessitate some design compromises. For example,
there may be limited space for displays, controls, and other
components of the biometric monitoring device within the device
housing. One system component that may be limited in size or
performance is the power source, e.g., a battery, capacitor, etc.,
of the biometric monitoring device. In many implementations, the
biometric monitoring device may be in an "always on" state to allow
it to continually collect biometric data throughout the day and
night. Given that the sensors and processor(s) of the biometric
monitoring device must generally remain powered to some degree in
order to collect the biometric data, it may be advantageous to
implement power-saving features elsewhere in the device, e.g., such
as by causing the display to automatically turn off after a period
of time, or by measuring certain data such as heart rate data
momentarily on demand indicated by a user-gesture. A typical user
gesture may be provided by pressing a button on the biometric
monitoring device, flipping the biometric monitoring device over
and back, or double-tapping the housing of the biometric monitoring
device, touching a surface area, or placing a body part near a
proximity sensor.
[0177] Generally speaking, the techniques and functions outlined
above may be implemented in a biometric monitoring device as
machine-readable instruction sets, either as software stored in
memory, as application-specific integrated circuits,
field-programmable gate-arrays, or other mechanisms for providing
system control. Such instruction sets may be provided to a
processor or processors of a biometric monitoring device to cause
the processor or processors to control other aspects of the
biometric monitoring device to provide the functionality described
above.
[0178] Unless the context (where the term "context" is used per its
typical, general definition) of this disclosure clearly requires
otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words
"comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an
inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense;
that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to."
Words using the singular or plural number also generally include
the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words
"herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar
import refer to this application as a whole and not to any
particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used
in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all
of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in
the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the
items in the list. The term "implementation" refers to
implementations of techniques and methods described herein, as well
as to physical objects that embody the structures and/or
incorporate the techniques and/or methods described herein.
[0179] There are many concepts and implementations described and
illustrated herein. While certain features, attributes and
advantages of the implementations discussed herein have been
described and illustrated, it should be understood that many
others, as well as different and/or similar implementations,
features, attributes and advantages of the present inventions, are
apparent from the description and illustrations. As such, the above
implementations are merely exemplary. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms,
techniques, materials and/or configurations disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of this
disclosure. It is to be understood that other implementations may
be utilized and operational changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, the scope of the
disclosure is not limited solely to the description above because
the description of the above implementations has been presented for
the purposes of illustration and description.
[0180] Importantly, the present disclosure is neither limited to
any single aspect nor implementation, nor to any single combination
and/or permutation of such aspects and/or implementations.
Moreover, each of the aspects of the present disclosure, and/or
implementations thereof, may be employed alone or in combination
with one or more of the other aspects and/or implementations
thereof. For the sake of brevity, many of those permutations and
combinations will not be discussed and/or illustrated separately
herein.
* * * * *